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Autism and Art

11/7/2013

2 Comments

 
    As I sit down to write this, my son Caleb, who has Autism, is literally running around shrieking, "wheeere aaarrrre the craaaayons???" They are on the table right next to the paper I set out for him. The paper he is already holding....my husband does the same thing. Well, not the shrieking, but the not being able to find something right in front of him. A little autism, a little regular guy stuff.  
Picture
Caleb's "James" the train
   There is a quote by Hans Asperger (as in "Aspergers Syndrome" which is diagnosis on the Autism Spectrum) that says, "It seems that for success in science or art, a dash of autism is essential"   

    I couldn't agree more.

    For art (or science) to keep growing and changing and evolving, a little "outside of the box" thinking is in order. Individuals on the Spectrum are always thinking outside the box, and are usually taught to get in the box now and then (to participate in school, work, etc.)

     There is a retrospective diagnosis of Vincent Van Gogh for Autism. Because it's just in retrospect, it can't be said for sure whether he did or didn't. But seeing as current autism is only diagnosed on behaviours and not blood work, etc., Van Gogh's diagnosis could technically be just as accurate as my son's. Although...some people say he was a little strange from inhaling the fumes from his paint....also a valid argument! Either way, most people agree that his art is beautiful. 
Picture
One of Caleb's Paintings
      My Caleb loves art. He loves doing it, and looking at others art. "Starry Night" by Vincent Van Gogh is one of Caleb's favourite paintings. As an interesting encouragement about not feeling like you've got what it takes to paint...Van Gogh painted Starry Night in 1889 while in an Asylum.  
Picture
Vincent Van Gogh's "Starry Night"
     One of the reasons I personally feel Van Gogh may have had autism is this particular painting.  

     Individuals on the Spectrum often hear, feel, taste, and smell things differently (and by differently, I mean louder, stronger, stinkier). Sometimes to gain control of their overload, they might engage in what might normally bother them. For instance, Caleb will cover his ears when being spoken to sometimes (an auditory overload), but he also talks extremely loud! Another child we know who is on the spectrum will shut his eyes tight in the sun, wind, if someone is looking right at him (visual overload), yet he will tip his head back, and sway it from side to side while looking up so that the lights he sees are all a blur....isn't that how Starry Night looks? 
Picture
Some of Caleb's "Pirate's Who Don't Do Anything!" art.
     Whether or not Van Gogh was on the spectrum, I won't know for sure. But I find his work inspiring, not only for myself and the art I do, but when I see Caleb and watch him working on his art. Often "normal" isn't what is required in art. 

      Having an open mind is necessary in art, but also in understanding individuals with Autism. In the same way that different people like different art, different people have different Autism. No two pieces are the same, no two people are the same. 

      Love for the differences is what creates something beautiful.   
Picture
Caleb as a cheeky 3 year old
2 Comments
leslie beatty
11/7/2013 08:52:31 pm

Caleb is a very talented artist just like his amazing momma! Don't forget that he won the School Board's contest for the water conservation contest as well :)

Reply
Amy-Lyn
11/7/2013 09:07:11 pm

I can't believe I forgot he won that contest! I have that picture he drew, I need to find it and add it to this post!
.....and thanks for the compliment. :)

Reply



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