Lately, you've heard me speak about Roy Bedward quite often, here, then again here, and you can read his own words here. If you haven't been following along, those links are your chance to get caught up to date:) This past Saturday afternoon, we had the unique opportunity to spend some time with Roy and watch him paint. Thanks to a lot of cooperation and planning, Roy was brought up to The Flying Pig from Madison, enabling him to be able to see his own exhibit, which ended the following day.
From left to right, we have Susan of The Flying Pig, Ariel, (he & Roy share a house, he's such a gentle soul!), Tish (a staff member that drove both Roy & Ariel up), Jeremy (my son who has worked with Roy for about a year now), Roy, and Alli with her baby Penelope. Alli & Susan were the driving force behind making this all happen, and she's the one that sees to it that Roy gets time in his life to paint.
Jeremy kept Roy company, while Roy was taking in the atmosphere inside The Flying Pig. This is actually his second trip there, and although he can't speak, using a facilitating communication device he typed out "I love it here", and he certainly appeared to. But then we all love it there!
The easel was set up outside, underneath a cedar grove in the greenspace for Roy to paint. I learned a thing or 2 while watching him set up! He squirts whatever paints he wants to use in glass jars, a jar & a brush for each color-brilliant! No washing out brushes everytime there's a color change, an idea that I just might try myself.
In no time at all, 2 hours had passed and Roy had completed 2 paintings. For the most part you could have heard a pin drop within the crowd of us that were watching him, now that would have freaked me out if I had been the one painting in front of a crowd, but he just did his thing, and did it well!
I don't pretend to know a lot about autism, but I did learn a little more about it on that day with Ariel & Roy. There's a lot going on inside their heads, they just have a rough time communicating it. Never take advantage of the fact that you can speak, or type by yourself, or live on your own, or do any of the things that we all take for granted each & every day of our lives. And be grateful that there are folks out there like Jeremy & Alli, and all the families that live this life, that care enough to help them, to help make a difference, to be there to celebrate their successes and get them through the rough patches. I'm truly grateful that I met Roy & Ariel, and am so happy that Roy is willing to share his gift of art with the world.
Hi! Glad you found my blog! I really love your blog and you have done such a great job with it. I'm in the process of buying a building in downtown Algoma, and planning on opening a gallery there, maybe even by next summer...so I'm glad I could connect with someone in the area. I'm originally from Madison and have only been in the Green Bay area for a year, so I can't wait to meet more people and be part of the local arts community.
Posted by: sarahelizabeth | July 29, 2008 at 05:55 PM
Sue - what an AWESOME post! I love th epicutre of the brush in motion and the idea of a brush for each color - now why hasn't something as simple as that caught on before?! Thanks for sharing Roy and his own particular genius with us!
Posted by: Tammy Vitale | July 30, 2008 at 06:23 AM
I have loved reading your posts about Roy. I work with special needs kids, a few of which are autistic. They are fascinating individuals, and it is wonderful to see one who is finding the support and assistance necessary to live his life to the fullest.
Posted by: Colorfuldayz | August 01, 2008 at 08:28 PM
Sue, I have so enjoyed all your posts about Roy. It's a blessing that we can see some his silent visions thru his beautiful art. Your son Jeremy must be a sweetie and so are you for sharing this remarkable story. xox
Posted by: Linda Warlyn | August 10, 2008 at 05:00 AM
WOW, thank you for sharing this beautiful story!
Posted by: ~*~ Patty Szymkowicz | July 16, 2009 at 06:26 PM
This is fabulous. I'm glad I didn't miss this.
Posted by: Chris | July 17, 2009 at 01:58 PM
So happy I stopped by to catch you diggin' up some fabulous buried treasure!
(smiling to myself.. I live in Madison, AL and we have a shop called The Flying Monkey)
xo, me :)
Posted by: Monica Magness | July 18, 2009 at 07:57 AM
Sue, This was the most amazing post, I am so glad this was your choice for Seth's collaboration. There is so much to be learned from Roys journey. I have read the post in his own words and find I dont have the words to express myself in return to his. I work in the child care industry here in Oz, and this includes a small number of children with varying degrees of Autism. I will point out your posts to other professionals here though, there is much to be gained from hearing Roy's voice. Thank you for chosing to use this forum to allow others to hear it, and thank goodness for the persistance that has allowed his voice to be heard.
Posted by: Kim Palmer | July 18, 2009 at 04:07 PM
This was a important post, thank you for sharing. Art is such an important part of all our lives.
Posted by: Ginny Gaskill | July 19, 2009 at 01:18 AM
Such an inspiring story. I am so glad you chose it, as it is indeed a treasure. Happy you played along!!
Posted by: Seth | July 20, 2009 at 05:30 PM