Danny, Champion of the World by Catherine Haverkamp

"This is a portrait of my father. It is a portrait to highlight hope, strength and optimism in the face of adversity. Danny is seated in front of what he calls his 'wall of fame'—memorabilia that hold memories and significance gathered through the years. The items in the cases have a similar level of detail to the portrait to highlight their importance and connection with the subject. His stiff and unnatural pose is due to a severe injury he received from a hit-and-run accident when he was 14 years old, which left him paralyzed on his entire left side. Though his future had bleak predictions, he retaught himself how to talk, walk, and shoot pool. He finished college, played softball, and became the father that I know and love. My father is competitive in spirit and challenged me in games and competitions, vying with one another for the title 'Champion of the World.' Knowing that he must have let me win countless times just to see me smile, I saw it fitting to return the title to the proper owner, Daniel Wissel, who will always be champion of my world." – CATHERINE HAVERKAMP