By Sandra Coopersmith
“The aim of art is to
represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.”
That quote, attributed to Aristotle, could well apply to The Pieces of Me, an exhibition by the artists of L.A. GOAL, opening Oct. 5 at the Skirball Cultural Center, and running through the end of the year.
A meet the artists celebration featuring a buffet dinner and silent auction is scheduled for Oct. 10, during which Dr. Phil Yalowitz will be honored for providing ongoing expert care, advocacy and referrals for medical services. He was instrumental in the creation of an educational film that has been incorporated into the curriculum at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine, teaching psychiatric and medical students how to effectively communicate with people who have developmental disabilities in order to facilitate effective diagnosis and treatment.
L.A. GOAL, a nonprofit agency in Culver City, empowers adults with developmental disabilities to build upon their personal abilities and strengths through a number of innovative programs, including an art program that has resulted in their works being exhibited in a variety of venues, including several prominent art collections.
“The relationship between the Skirball and L.A. GOAL flourished immediately because we have a shared mission of inclusiveness,” commented Jocelyn Tetel, vice president of advancement at the Skirball Cultural Center. “Both organizations welcome people of diverse backgrounds and experiences so that together we can build a society in which each of us can feel safe and at home.
“Through the success of the first L.A. GOAL exhibition at the Skirball in 2001 and the collaboration that ensued, the relationship continued to build and blossom. The organizations work together from the concept stage, beginning with the choosing of a theme for each of the exhibitions, followed by installation and outreach to the broader Southern California community. Our visitors have enjoyed the thoughtful, thematic exhibitions, both for the quality of the artwork and the material proof that every individual can make important contributions toward building a more hopeful future for us all.”
The Pieces of Me is dedicated to the late Guido Mote, whose art will be represented and whose parents were founding members of L.A. GOAL. It will mark the fifth exhibition at the Skirball since 2001 to showcase the artists of L.A. GOAL, powerfully confirming that, developmental disabilities notwithstanding, creativity cannot be constrained and art can be an eloquent bridge to connection.
“Guido’s work was in all of the exhibitions,” said Petite Konstantin, L.A. GOAL’s executive director, who will receive a commendation from the city of Culver City on Oct. 25 in conjunction with Disability Awareness Month. She emphasized that the exhibitors “are not disabled artists but artists with disabilities. That’s an important distinction. They are people first and should not be defined by their condition.”
The approximately 50 paintings, ceramics, multimedia works and texts in the exhibition represent the artists’ reflections about their roots. Through exploring their personal family histories, they realized that their true legacy consisted of the traits and talents, “the pieces of me,” comprising the unique individual each had become.
A sampling of the artists’ comments presented an affecting tapestry of family memories and insights.
Doug H. (Window of Love) recalled that, as a child, “I would make art next to my mother who was making art. My easel stood next to her easel. My step-mom is also an artist. This painting is a loving tribute to them and me and a family’s art ability. It is a loving tribute to nature and beauty, summertime, sunrise, sunset and warmth at the heart of me.”
“The outside world can be boring – everything in black and white,” reflected Victor S. (Inherit the Rainbow). “If you look on the inside of me, you’ll see blue sky, green grass, red roses, white clouds, brown trees and yellow sun. I am made up of nature’s pieces. Am I different than other people?”
Explaining that “my last name means ‘blue’ in Dutch,” Jennifer B. (Dutch Blue) said that “it is in the background of my painting because it is in the background of me. I think I am made up of all the different colors and shapes of purple. My grandpa always dreamed of going to Holland but he never got the chance to. There are many windmills in Holland – they are important and valuable. My dream is that I want new things to happen in my life. I want to be a windmill and make things change from one thing into another.”
In painting Japanese fans, Matthew R. (The Family of Fans), who is half Japanese, was “painting part of my heritage. I picked the ones I liked best and put them together. Each has its own individual design and pattern but as a whole piece, they work together – kind of like a family.”
Lisie Y. (A Journey Worth Taking) saw her family as “my roots, where I start; the basis of me. They are warm and loving and they have taught me so many important lessons. What they have taught me and what they have given me, even the ones who have passed away, are written into my very being like the initials of two lovers carved into the bark of a tree. Hopefully, other people can read these lessons through my example and they will try, as I do, to always learn and grow.”
And Josh D. (Family Impressionism) succinctly summed it up: “The pieces of me are art, family and friends. Family means kindness, joy, love and happiness. It’s all good.”
To learn about L.A. GOAL’s programs and events, including the annual art show at Koplin Del Rio Gallery in Culver City on Oct. 24, visit lagoal.org or call (310) 838-5274. For information about the Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, visit skirball.org or call (310) 440-4500.
