Susan Brown was born in 1957 in Copiague, New York and for many years has lived in Sayville, New York. Diagnosed with autism as a young child, she began drawing spirals, women and cars at the age of five and was encouraged by her father, an engineer, her mother, a chemist, and her aunt, a sculptor. Brown first painted her characteristic grid like drawings on cardboard in the 1980’s while working as a dishwasher at Friendly’s where cardboard packing was readily available. Her work reflects her eclectic interests in portraiture, transportation and landscapes and is drawn from her prodigious memory of growing up on Long Island.
Brown has been featured on a CBS Sunday Morning show segment on Outsider Art, and in publications such as Envision Folk Art Magazine and Out of Art. She has been attending the Pure Vision Arts studio weekly since its inception in 2002. Always a popular artist at outsider exhibitions both at home and abroad, her paintings and drawings are included in numerous corporate and private collections.
Pure Vision Artist, Eric Sadowsky was recently featured on NBC Dateline’s “On the Brink.” Over a three-year period the documentary chronicled the emotional journey Eric and his family had to face, as he transitions out of the New York State public school system and into an uncertain future.
Diagnosed with autism at the age of 3, Eric Sadowsky often relied on art to communicate his thoughts and feelings when language fell short. Sadowsky began attending Pure Vision Arts in 2012, where he now overlays drawings of figures and objects with text. Often referencing imagery from pop culture such as fast food items, news casters, logos, advertisements, Jeopardy contestants and airplanes, Sadowsky’s work has a Pop Art quality to it. His signature color palette of neon and pastel adds a unique and vibrant touch to his drawings.
My name is Tonia Green. I am 46 years old. I have been coming to The Shield Institute in Bayside Queens for over 20 years. Because of the Shield, I can communicate by myself with my electronic device to talk with my family and friends and advocate for myself. I participate in a variety of activities in the neighborhood while meeting new people. If Governor Cuomo plans to cut funding by 6 percent for OPWDD, how will this affect me and my friends? Well, let me tell you how! If you cut this funding by 6 percent our agency and others like it, will have to cut back on important services for us and some may even have to close. If the agencies cut back: Will I be going out less in the community? Will I be participating in fewer groups or will I not have staff to help me with my daily living skills? If you cut back staff: Will I have to wait a long time for someone to help me eat, or to help me use the ladies room or will I not get the physical, occupational or speech therapy services I need.
My name is Sui Chan, I am 52 years old. I was born in Hong Kong. I have been coming to the Shield Institute for over 20 years. When I first came to the Shield, I could not walk or talk. I learned to use an augmentative communication device to speak. I recently joined the swimming joined the swimming group at The Shield. I never went swimming before. I was scared to go the first time, but now I love it. As a person with a developmental disability the Shield is where I find my voice, where I receive the many varied services that sustain me and enhance my life. I am asking you not cut the services that I receive, because to be honest with you, my life depends on it.
