COLLECTION:
“Creation of ASL”
Painting
God created our beautiful, powerful hands for sign language. He has thrown the locks and keys from Deaf Hands. We no longer must hide our hands to speak… We are free…
“Free of Audism”
Painting
I painted this picture of a young Deaf man who has lived a difficult life. He has been the victim of audism by a hearing judge & a police department that threw him into jail for 11 months. The courts and the police refused to provide him with an interpreter, and would not even write to him. They forced him to read their lips. Finally, after 11 months, with an advocate, the courts hired an interpreter who gave him the ability to communicate. His name is Christopher Kendzior. His dream is a world free of AUDISM--now, & forever. In order to portray how powerful the artist feels, I painted him partially in the nude. This is an announcement to the world that he is strong and will survive.
“No Exit”
Painting
My memories of speech class were if I made any mistakes in speech I would be locked in class and could not leave.
“Victim of Oral School”
Painting
This painting is one from my memory when I attended Redford Oral School in Michigan circa 1950’s. I was forced to talk even though signing was my main form of communication as both my parents and siblings were Deaf. I became very confused & felt isolated as I was punished by the watchful eye for signing. I had to stay inside while other children went out to play. I know there are victims out there just like I was. This picture actually taken of my granddaughter who became the unhappy little girl (me) & the teacher is actually a self portrait of me which I turned into a Jester to portray the teacher as the Jokers they were.