In the world of prosthetic eyes, Christina Leitzel stands out by creating lively, personalized designs that allow individuals to express their unique identities, transforming a loss into a celebration of individuality.
**Creative Prosthetics: Christina Leitzel's Vibrant Eye Designs**
**Creative Prosthetics: Christina Leitzel's Vibrant Eye Designs**
Christina Leitzel redefines prosthetics by crafting unique, expressive eye designs that celebrate individuality.
Christina Leitzel, a Portland-based prosthetic eye maker, breaks the mold in her field by transforming the traditional, realistic prosthetic aesthetic into a colorful expression of individuality. Taught to perfect her craft like an art forger, Leitzel emphasizes the message that while there are numerous ways to lose an eye—through illness, injury, or accidents—there are equally diverse ways to regain one, especially when it comes to creativity.
A recent client, a man in his 30s, left her studio with a beaming smile and a unique eye design that matched his forest green beanie, featuring a mesmerizing shimmering gold vortex as its pupil. Leitzel, who has gained a following under the name “Christina Oculara” on TikTok and Instagram, refers to her creations as “fun eyes.” These range from pupils crafted like sunflowers to irises inspired by the shape of beloved pets. Her work resonates with those seeking to honor personal memories; for instance, a man presented her with his late wife's ashes, expressing a desire for her to “see everything he did.”
Though her designs may initially seem whimsical, they resonate deeply with those who wish to infuse their prosthetics with personal meaning. One particularly notable request came from a woman adorned with piercings who asked for a pierced iris, showcasing the extent of Leitzel's creativity and the emotional ties many have to their prosthetics. As her TikTok video of this specific design gained traction, it caught the attention of eye professionals, who started cautioning against piercing real eyeballs, inadvertently turning Leitzel’s artistry into a topic of significant conversation within the medical community.
Through her innovative approach, Christina Leitzel not only crafts prosthetic eyes but also offers individuals a chance to reclaim their identity and express their individuality in a vibrant, life-affirming way.
A recent client, a man in his 30s, left her studio with a beaming smile and a unique eye design that matched his forest green beanie, featuring a mesmerizing shimmering gold vortex as its pupil. Leitzel, who has gained a following under the name “Christina Oculara” on TikTok and Instagram, refers to her creations as “fun eyes.” These range from pupils crafted like sunflowers to irises inspired by the shape of beloved pets. Her work resonates with those seeking to honor personal memories; for instance, a man presented her with his late wife's ashes, expressing a desire for her to “see everything he did.”
Though her designs may initially seem whimsical, they resonate deeply with those who wish to infuse their prosthetics with personal meaning. One particularly notable request came from a woman adorned with piercings who asked for a pierced iris, showcasing the extent of Leitzel's creativity and the emotional ties many have to their prosthetics. As her TikTok video of this specific design gained traction, it caught the attention of eye professionals, who started cautioning against piercing real eyeballs, inadvertently turning Leitzel’s artistry into a topic of significant conversation within the medical community.
Through her innovative approach, Christina Leitzel not only crafts prosthetic eyes but also offers individuals a chance to reclaim their identity and express their individuality in a vibrant, life-affirming way.
