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 154

Saturday, February 19, 2011


Kelt ended up getting 8th place for the 2A 125 weight class! He also got a medal and 62 keychains, so overall it was a great weekend. We couldn't be more proud of him. Here are some pictures from the tournament:

Thursday: hanging out in the hotel before the team work out.

25/62 keychains that Kelt got at a thrift store in Tacoma.

Friday: Killing time during the tournament lunch break. At this point Kelt was anxious to wrestle his third match. He had to win in order to stay in the tournament.

Hanging out with our brother Camden who placed 3rd last year at state.

After his third match. Trying to lose a pound to make weight for the next day.

Saturday: Getting ready to wrestle his fifth match for 7th or 8th place.


On deck (bottom, left corner)

Lining up for the Parade of Champions, which included everyone from the 2nd day.

Kelt with some of the county boys before the parade (Mom's photo).

Parade

Kelt with his friend Bonzai after the medal ceremony.


Sunday: Thrift store shopping for keychains on the way home.

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