I got a postcard from VSA arts this past week asking me to participate in a collaborative art project.
The challenge is to define my concept of disability.
I have worked with the disability community for many years and have heard some of the experiences. Some feel that disability means lack of opportunity, respect and access. This is all true, and I have experienced all of that.
To some it means a lifetime of medicine, hospitals and life as a lab rat. It means pain, physical discomfort and a body that just doesn’t function well. These are things I know little about so I cannot express them.
For me, being a person with albinism, “disability” means having an outer shell that stands out from the mainstream. It means social stigma and snap judgments from others.
Don’t get me wrong. Having albinism has been a hoot for me. I truly wouldn’t have it any other way. I am not just saying that. I am a showman in some ways, and I don’t like blending in.
So, for the contest I chose the aspect of disability that me and many of my friends and colleagues identify with. I chose the words from a song from a play called Side Show. “Like some odd exotic creature, on display inside a zoo…”
I used Adobe Illustrator to make the art. I specifically wanted that generic human shape you see on bathroom doors to represent Mr. Everyman: in this case, Mr. Everyman with horns.
This contest is open to everyone in the world so if you would like to enter your idea, contact VSA at their website, www.vsarts.org and download a template, or write them at: Disability Postcard Project, VSA arts, 818 Connecticut Ave. NW, Ste 600, Washington, DC 20006 and get a postcard template.
You actually don’t need to get a template. Just cut out a 6″ X 9″ piece of card, put your art on it and send it to them. You have plenty of time. The deadline is February 5.
Hi Virginia,
I wish I could tell you how I ended up on your site?? Recently, I found a fascinating little symbol and fell in love with it. Of course, through a series of unforeseen events, I lost it. However, I was blessed to remember “return and fetch”. Google is everyone’s earthly savior, I believe, “SANKOFA”! YEAH, next thing I know, I’m browsing around your blog.
Several things caught my eye, like, you’re an artist – sisters already! Your wonderful illustration for Disabilities – very powerful and I wanted to compliment you. We have albinism on my Mothers side, as well, and although I am not, have been told, couldn’t get much closer!
Then, I’ve spent the better part of the day, trying to make a little book of quotes about “chance” to give to my family members this Christmas and there you give a little demo about making books. This year we are not exchanging gifts, but giving small donations to a couple of selected charities. Mine is a big cat rescue park (and bears) in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. My Grandparents had a lake home near there when I was growing up and I – like my family – am a sucker for endangered and rescued animals.
Wow, you’re getting the long version – sorry! Let’s see, what else, oh yes, fractals. I know nothing about them, but met a local artist that is ‘big’ into making her own and her own ‘big-deal’ prints. So, was wondering about your connection to them. I believe, Catarina is quite accomplished in this art, she spent 2 or 3 years just working out the algorithms, so if you’d like to see her work, let me know and I’ll find her connections.
Thank you Beckie:
I will get back to you privately. Thanks for visiting.