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A.J. Schlesinger

Artist Statement:
Years ago, before I workd with a tracker and learned the systems that I paint with now, my only means of painting was using what they call a " hand over hand" technique. That means someone elses hand was on top of mine, controlling where the paint went. How could I express myself when someone elses's hand is over mine, making those choices for me?
I have been working with my tracker ( my arms and legs)for six years. The systems we learned together allow me to make each and every creative choice, no matter how subtle or small. During this time my visual vocabulary has grown enormously as I discover all the new things that paint can do. I have also gained understanding about using principles such as contrast , balance, movement and repetition , which is knowledge I carry forward to inform each of my paintings.
Creating Art is the one and ONLY thing in my life I have complete control over. I get to decide how big the work is, which tools to use and which of the many techniques I have learned over the years to employ. I am still learning.
Just like any other Artist, I can become frustrated occasionally. When I have reached an impass with a piece, I like to set it aside and begin another, or work on one I have set aside previously. It's good to work on several things at the same time.
I feel that my Artwork has become more interesting due to my experience and the growing number of choices I am realizing before my eyes. Every painting session is an adventure. I am looking forward to my continuous growth as an Artist.
Biography:
I am 20 years old. and born with severe Cerebral Palsy. My condition has become progressively worse with age. I have no control over any parts of my body and have to communicate through a Dynavox which is preprogrammed with words and phrases chosen for me by my care givers. I am a normal 20 year old young man trapped in a body that does not work. Since I love painting so much, I have many sophisticated painting specific words and phrases programmed into the Dynavox to choose from. The Dynavox is controlled by a slight motion of my head. My head is the only thing I have any motor control over. So other than operating my power chair, painting is the only activity I have total control over. It is something that transcends my condition. I am able to express myself through my paintings which present all the formal qualities of beautiful fine Art. The joy that making art has brought to me has been witnessed by everyone around me. It is the activity that drives me, inspires me; that sets me free.
My paintings are created by using a system developed by an organization called Artist Realization Technologies, which is located in Princeton, N.J. The systems they have developed involve finding particular points on the canvas as well as using a head mounted laser. The Artist works with a trained "tracker" who through a very long series of yes and no questions responds objectively to the decisions of the Artist. If the Artist is able to indicate a yes or no response, even with a blink, they can create paintings. The tracker communicates with the artist about everything; exactly what is desired in terms of size, color, direction and intensity. The results are liberating, beautiful and profound. This system allows people with little or no control over their bodies, to create large scale Artwork that immerges in triumph from their creative selves. The Artists are in total control of the process.

Artist Website:
www.ajcs89@rocketmail.com
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