During the All Born (In) Conference, several self-advocates feature artwork for sale. Stop by their displays to take a look and support our community’s artists. Thank you to Susan Cushman from United Cerebral Palsy for organizing the sale.
Meet the artists featured at the 2013 All Born (In) Conference
Marie Blanchard
I have been doing art my whole life. I was born with Cerebral Palsy, but that does not stop me from doing anything, including art. I have no limits in life. My art is enjoyment to me, and I have fun doing art. All my art is made in Portland, Oregon. I create ceramics, paintings, beaded key chains, and wooden coasters.
I have been selling my art at craft fairs since the 6th grade. I’ve sold at a lot of school craft fairs, and once at the Buckman Art Show. I have had an etsy shop for over 3 years, and today have 37 items for sale. I would love to work in the arts. I am about to finish with my transition program and plan to attend PCC. For fun, I love to ride horses, ski, kayak, swim, go out to eat, play computer games, and, of course, do art.
Cody Downs
Cody Downs is a young man of 38, who experiences great pleasure in the arts. In addition to playing guitar, he plays drums, and loves recording music. He creates notecards on his computer as well as “Coffee Tiles” using a sublimation process that requires high heat with a press. His personal artistic interests have led him to creating Coffee Coasters and Plant Plates using alcohol inks and ceramic tiles. In addition to creating one of a kind products, he is contributing to the green movement of making something beautiful from items that would otherwise be discarded. Cody loves contributing to the beauty around us.
Lupita Cano
Lupita Cano is a self-taught abstract painter who loves to share her unique perspective of the world through her art. She lives Seattle with her mother and siblings, where she enjoys being a business owner and contributing member of her community. You can read more about Lupita and her business, AE Designs by Lupita, at www.lupitacanoartist.com
Artist Statement
“When I paint, I let my mind do the talking for me. I let my hands do the talking for me. For example, I think about Dad, or what’s going on, and paint it. If I see cheetahs and mermaids, I do that. It doesn’t matter if it’s a red day, a happy day like Wednesday, or if it’s a blue, sad day like Monday. I paint, and I let the painting do the talking for me.
I see blobs of paint, I see aqua, or red, moving through the air. There are sounds, sights, smells, tastes. You gotta let the art move within you, as if you were the paintbrush.
Share whatever you’ve got within you. Gifts.
My art means a lot to me.”
Clara Link
Clara Link is an award-winning photographer who has taken photos since 1993. She contributes her time by taking photographs at local and national events and various self-advocacy publications. Clara’s work can be seen in the book, Just as I am: Americans with Disabilities. She has served as a Developmental Disabilities Council board member appointed by Governor Locke of Washington State for 3 years.
Other accomplishments include a “Living it Up!” calendar to promote people with Down Syndrome for 4 years.
In her spare time, Clara enjoys socializing, going to church, snow skiing, and attending Tae Kwon Do class. She is also a trained lifeguard. She says she doesn’t let having Down Syndrome limit her as an artist. She is proud to be an American with a disability and a photographer.
Please go to Clara’s website at www.claralinkphotography.com to see sample photos.
Dylan Kuehl
Dylan Kuehl (pronounced Keel), is sole proprietor of his own company, DK Arts (est. 2005) and a life-long resident of Olympia, Washington. An ambitious visual and performing artist, Dylan performs as a dancer and a drummer in community events as well as motivational speaking engagements. His art and poetry have received international awards, and he has had his art work and success story published in numerous publications such as Exceptional Parent Magazine, Logan Magazine, along with the Washington State Adolescent Transition Resource Notebook.
He is a Special Olympics gold medalist, has studied modern, tap and hip-hop dance as well as martial arts and is a fierce rock-n-roll drummer in a band, “I mean fierce in a good way, not a bad way” says Dylan.
An outspoken political activist, Dylan advocated for himself and others with disabilities, proving through his large life that Down syndrome is not the obstacle it is often perceived to be.
Dylan is now working with fused glass. He is making necklace pendants, pins, earrings, compact mirrors, night lights, and decorative tiles. He looks forward to launching his new products at this year’s ALL BORN IN conference.