When I began my book about my brother Mike*, I sought advice from other artists and writers. One of my teachers asked me whether my book was to be a window or a mirror. That was difficult to answer. If my book were to be a window, it would tell my brother’s story objectively. If it were to be a mirror, it would be about me.  Since Mike was (and is) unable to tell me anything about himself, my book was a process of understanding him indirectly. I suppose I can characterize my viewing frame as a frosted window pane, or perhaps a half-silvered mirror.

The window below reveals some of what is behind it, but not clearly or accurately. It is a strange hybrid of ‘viewer’ and ‘distorter’. It tells its own story even though it may be incomprehensible.

Window
12″x9″ 140# Cold Pressed Watercolor Block

*Mike is my older brother who is autistic, low functioning and nonverbal.