This sketch represents a seminal moment in my relationship with Mike and marked the beginning of a long-term photography project. My parents and I visited Mike in his interim housing (after the Willowbrook residents were re-assigned living quarters) on his 40th birthday. I took a photo of Mike, not an award winner to be sure, but the feature that astounded me was Mike’s left eye. Mike’s eyes seemed to act independently, but rarely were they both looking in the same direction. In this photo Mike’s left eye was looking directly at me! Getting Mike’s attention was something that I always tried for but never seemed to attain. But I had proof of his attention (at least with one eye) with this photo. I was able to parlay that moment into creative work that satisfied some of my own needs.

Please visit my Etsy shop for my artwork for sale inspired by my autistic brother Mike at: 

https://autisminspiredart.etsy.com

My other artwork for sale is at: 

https://otherartbyjack.etsy.com