Tag Archives: family dynamics
Mike Sketch Series: Jack Patting Mike on the Chest, November 1993
Mike sometimes responded to me when I patted him on the chest. I got the impression that he liked it. He was always hitting himself on the chest, so I wonder if a less violent touch somehow communicated to him. I hope that it showed love.
Mike Sketch Series: Mom Saying Goodbye to Mike April 1993
I spent more than 25 years exploring, and documenting the life of my brother Mike*. Fifteen years of that process was devoted to photographing him, his activities associated with his group home, day school and parties. I was a novice photographer at the start of this project. Much of my emphasis was on capturing moments, […]
Mike Sketch Series: Mike Getting Help Eating, April 1994
My brother Mike was treated very well by the staff at his group home. They tried to bring some organization to his eating. My mom used to call him a ‘two fisted’ eater, which he, quite literally was. In the background, James, another resident was looking on.
Mike Sketch Series: Mike and Jack, October 1993
Brother Dave took the photo from which I made this sketch of Mike and me.
Mike Sketch Series: Mike and Dad, June 1992
Dad used to try clapping Mike’s hands along with music. Mike resisted most of the time. Like us, Dad had no idea what was going on in brother Mike’s head. Mike is autistic, low functioning and nonverbal. When Mike was a toddler, Dad told me that he was able to sing along with some of […]
Mike Sketch Series: Dad Helping Mike December 1991
Mike* needed a lot of help with activities of daily living (ADL). When we visited him, Dad would try helping. *Mike is my older brother who is autistic, low functioning and nonverbal.
Mike Sketch Series – Walk in Forest Hills Park with Mike and Dad June 1989
Man and Violin
Today’s experiment is derivative of yesterday’s. In fact, it began as a canvas to test a blue-yellow combination. Sometimes blue and yellow pigments combine to give a muddy appearance (see Blue and Yellow Don’t Make Green). I like the abstract feel of this portrait. It reminds me of my father. But it also struck another […]
Happy 70th, Mike!
Every time Veterans Day rolls around, I feel emotional. My brother Mike was born on Veterans Day. Today he is 70 years of age. I haven’t seen Mike in quite a while. My thinking about him has changed over the years. As a child, I tried to make contact with him. Mike is severely autistic, […]
