I recently watched My Classic Life as an Artist: A Portrait of Larry Bissonnette, which is a short documentary about an artist who has overcome communication and societal barriers. Larry, who also stars in Wretches & Jabberers, was institutionalized in Vermont when he was 8 and diagnosed as "mentally retatrded, schizophrenic, clincally insane, and austistic." Larry believes that:
“Fastening labels on people is like leasing cars with destinations determined beforehand. Mostly it’s good practices for educating unconventional people, eccentric on the outside, but normal on the inside, that lops off weak branches of disability and promotes possibilities for new growth.”
I love this explanation and think it accurately describes Larry, who is first an intelligent and talented artist with a witty sense of humor; his diagnoses and form of communication (keyboard) are secondary to his character and accomplishments.
“Knowledge and learning of art have allowed my abilities to sore out on an airfield occupied by people that don’t have disabilities.” -Larry
“Knowledge and learning of art have allowed my abilities to sore out on an airfield occupied by people that don’t have disabilities.” -Larry
Larry began painting as a form of communication and outlet for stress.
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