In 1998 my youngest brother, Kelton, was diagnosed with autism, a developmental disability that affects communication and social interaction. Autism currently affects 1/88 people in the United States. Kelton is a talented individual who runs cross-country and track, wrestles, plays the drums, loves history, and collects bobble heads and keychains.
This year Kelton decided to enroll in his first art class where he discovered his skill for drawing. His unorthodox style made me reconsider my artwork and examine the differences and similarities that exist between our perspectives. According to Paul Collins’ Not Even Wrong: Adventures in Autism, artists are four times more likely to have autism in their families. Considering the number of artists in my family, this statistic made me question the similarities that exist between Kelton and me. For this reason, we have decided to draw one of his 6,481 keychains a day for one year. These drawings will be as simple and uninhibited as possible. This project will explore our individual perspectives and examine the similarities that exist between us as artists.
Day 143
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Kelt and Scott during Homecoming week.
Our friend, who's also the principal, recently went to Japan with the high school band. He brought back this keychain for Kelt's birthday. He said it cost "serious yen."
Mr Ellis(Scott) is such a great guy. I was fortunate enough to be his first TA my senior year. The drawings continue to make me smile. Congrats Kelton on your 2nd place finish. I wish you the best at state!!! You are going to do great!
Kelt and Scott during Homecoming week.
Mr Ellis(Scott) is such a great guy. I was fortunate enough to be his first TA my senior year. The drawings continue to make me smile. Congrats Kelton on your 2nd place finish. I wish you the best at state!!! You are going to do great!
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