For as long as I can remember, my mom has taught developmentally-disabled children. I’ve always been in awe of her patience with these kids. Each year, the level of functioning can swing from nearly “normal” to extremely trying. A few years back, she told me about a specific autistic kid, functioning on the low side and unable to communicate. He was a constant distraction for the rest of the class and at times could be violent. To calm him down, my mom gave him any markers and loose paper she had on hand. From memory, he would draw what he saw on television the night before.
I was enamored of his work and asked my mom for a selection of the drawings. This morning, while doing some spring cleaning, I re-discovered his work and thought I’d share some of them with you.
- Series 1: TV Show Promos
- Alex Trebek with moustache!
- Series 2: Not Sold in Stores
- For example, compare this one…
- …to this one. (Hint: “Ineopnenes”)
- I’m still unsure if these next two are selling the same product or not
- The red lines bordering the phone number really grabs me in this one.
These are my favorites. I love what they have in common, the credit card logos depend on the markers available and the fine print is always just a squiggly line, as much as I love how each one is different – even when they’re depicting the same screen.
- Finally, a logo
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Even as the spelling for ‘beauty’ alluded him, his accuracy in depicting Disney’s logo is astonishing. Especially in the ‘t’, ‘D’ and ‘i’.
I hope you enjoyed these. Let me know.
milo says: fuckin brilliant!
we especially love the city names and improvisational spelling.
I have one of these kids. My stepson is an amazing artist and last year he had his first exhibit where he sold quite a few pieces. He’s 11 years old and goes to a regular school, but gets extra help. He’s verbal and high functioning, but goes through swings, depending on what’s going on. I’m thinking about organising another showing of his work. Would anyone be interested if I put things online?
Cazzie, in Norway
I used to tutor high functioning autistic children. I also had an uncle who was severely developmentally challenged, I can’t remember the condition. In both cases I saw some really interesting art.
I’d like to see more.