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"Birds"  20" x 16"  2001  By Alvyn W.



"Birds"  20" x 16"  2001

By Alvyn W.


Low self-esteem usually accompanies TBI, contributing to a reduction in energy and a general sense of futility. Such a state-of-being resists tasks requiring effort, hence art making.  Resistance is the number one obstacle to overcome in the art studio. Alvyn, who acquired a TBI in a motor vehicle accident, is a paraplegic with aphasia (loss of speech), was much more comfortable sitting in his room watching TV than putting forth effort in the art studio. Yet, he wanted to improve his condition which allowed him to participate, albeit compulsively, in the art studio. He would frantically do three, lightning-fast watercolors so he could return, having completed his 'art therapy', to watching TV.

There was always a prerequisite to Alvyn's painting: we had to negotiate the number of watercolors he would do. We negotiated by a show of fingers with my relenting, usually at three. He would proceed to whip out three fast paintings, beautiful calligraphic images of canaries and return to his room. Alvyn always insists on a perceptual reference: birds or still-life items, which enable him to coordinate gestural strokes with an image.

Alvyn, with help from Northeast Center's community reentry and rehabilitation specialists was approved for and received a new powerchair.  Alvyn, in his powerchair, comes daily to the art studio of his own volition. He holds up six fingers and proceeds to make that many action paintings. And he now speaks to us in the hallway! Incidentally, he has been in two art exhibitions and sold a beautiful watercolor.  Note:  Alvyn was discharged in 2003 under HCBS Waiver services and continues to live in the community.



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