Say Hello to James "I'm an Artist" Frye - 16 Year old with Autism
Managing Editor's Note: Please say hello to 16 year old James Frye and his family. James' art is available for sale and we hope you'll consider supporting his work, and sharing his story with friends and family. You can purchase this mixed media print called "FRACTUAL FACES", signed by James for $27 at www.jamesfryeartist.com. The Frye family has generously offered to share part of their proceeds with us. Below is his story, from his Mom Wendy. KS
Recently, our son, James Frye, has declared himself to be “An Artist!” Wouldn’t it be something to just know what your life work will be at the age of 16? Wouldn’t it have been something more to know how you would be leaving your boldest thumbprint on the world so young?
Born and still living in the Pacific Northwest of Washington State, James was a big happy and healthy baby who morphed into a non-communicative, sick little boy soon after his childhood immunizations.
Like many of our kids, James’ immune system collapsed, sensory systems discombobulated, normal hearing was impaired and his allergies raged. The next ten years are sort of a blur as we tried our best to put him back together. We’ve heard a few diagnoses, most recently, ASD – moderately affected. Our belief (or disbelief) system is that to pigeon hole any developing child is a crime. We did our damndest to shield him from language or labels during those early years that could blunt his development.
So, James’ declaration of being “An Artist!” was not to be taken lightly. Oh no! – it has been a complete and total pleasure for our whole family, our friends, his educator and long time therapists to watch this young man hone in and share his visual talents by creating some very provocative art work.
These talents have seemingly come to fruition almost instantly, or at leas we didn’t see it coming until it arrived home in his backpack. James attends the local high school in a self-contained, special education environment. He does have some elective, general education classes outside of his program that includes pottery, watercolor painting, and physical education.
At the end of classes last year he brought home a pile of paintings and brush work practice sheets from his watercolor class. When we looked through the stack we paused when we saw his “fractural faces” mixed media piece. WOW! Just look! We counted over 9 images of abstract faces chalked, painted and interjected between the lines. This was our son’s work. This was a boy who couldn’t really hold a pencil until the age of 5. This was amazing!
After his first love of abstract painting, James has been enjoying his pottery class at school. When he started last year the first pieces he brought home were on the level of any kindergartener starting with a pinch pot or coil penny jar. Sticking with it (and being supported by marvelous teachers & aides) James has been throwing pots on the wheel and done some beautiful free hand work. His classmates like having him in class – he’s especially funny when he’s happy….a complete class clown!
At home on weekends, James turns on classical music and sets up his “studio” at the dining room table complete with easel, brushes and paints. He signs and names each piece of work as he finishes them. He has used some very unusual and surprising titles such as; Purple of Knowledge, Squiggly Lines & Brain Cells, and Sadness of Memories. It catches us off guard since he doesn’t express his emotions with language often. We are learning more about how he thinks and feels through his art. His “Faces” work, in our opinion, confirms his emerging artistic genius and for him, hopefully, an open channel to visually communicate to the rest of us how he SEES things.
Not long ago we were watching the Comedy Central “Night of Too Many Stars” with Jon Stewart hosting in our living room while James was on the computer in the other room. He flew around the corner when Mr. Stewart gave a shout out to Temple Grandin. It was decided right then and there that James would offer a limited printing of his “Fractural Faces” painting on the Age of Autism web site for sale with all of the proceeds benefitting Age of Autism and Autism Education. (This painting is called, "The Sadness of Memories."
We’ve printed up 50 copies that will be numbered and signed by the artist. This will not only benefit autism education (like the “night of Too Many Stars”) by donating proceeds to the Age of Autism website, it will satisfy James’ 5 hours of community service requirement to graduate from high school using his own unique skills – because he’s “An Artist!”.
James lives at home with his younger brother, Jon, Mom, Dad and two little Bichon Frise puppies named Annie & Lilly. He enjoys web surfing, Xbox, Pinball, eating pizza, going to art galleries and, of course, creating art.
I'm looking forward to more! I know this family. They are awesome!
Posted by: Chuck Teegarden | February 03, 2011 at 10:21 AM
You are an inspiration to all of us, James. Thank you for sharing your life and family with me.
Posted by: Karen Lyons | February 02, 2011 at 08:19 PM
I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with James for the last 11 years (and hopefully lots more to come). His life story is amazing, as is his unique, quirky personality. James has been able to succeed in life because he has a loving, supportive family that does their best to understand him.
I am a speech therapist, but with James I feel like I get to be so much more. I was lucky enough to have James be my first "client" when I was still in graduate school. We have grown up and learned a great deal of diverse skills together! I am so proud of him and who he is becoming. He is truly an inspiration. Thank you for being a part of my life Frye family.
Posted by: Christy Phillips | February 01, 2011 at 06:55 PM
When this article posted yesterday morning James ran downstairs, fired up the computer and a few minutes later he yelled "PERFECT"! He has really gotten a big confidence boost with his art - THANKS so much for the great comments.
Wendy
Posted by: Wendy Frye | January 31, 2011 at 04:50 PM
I like your painting!
Posted by: jen | January 31, 2011 at 12:54 PM
Kid has alot of good insights! Quite a few of us dabble in the arts. I think we should have our own gallery. Then we could show one another our pieces. That would be cool!! I like to draw alot, mainly design patterns that often look like stained glass. But I mainly write, and have done so for a long time.
Many times we find that it is the only way to get out the emotions we are feeling on the outside, because we can't either get them into words, or get them outloud. It is a wonderful release and should be something to be encouraged for those on the spectrum who show an interest.
Posted by: Theodora Trudorn | January 31, 2011 at 10:03 AM
Congratulations, James. Nice work.
maurine
Posted by: Maurine meleck | January 31, 2011 at 07:48 AM
What a amazing story of what he has accomplished and has overcome with autism, it gives me hope that my 8 year old autistic son can do anything. Thank you for sharing you beautiful artwork and story.
Posted by: cynthia auffenberg | January 30, 2011 at 05:37 PM
I have an artist as well, wonderful work. Good for him.
Posted by: elaine | January 30, 2011 at 03:11 PM
Just ordered one -- the colors are stunning and the faces remind me of Klee. Congrats and keep going!
Posted by: dan olmsted | January 30, 2011 at 01:04 PM
What an incredible gift. Thank you for sharing this wonderful story with us...so inspiring.
Posted by: Sonja | January 30, 2011 at 09:15 AM
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not evil, to give you a future and a hope.
JEREMIAH 29:11
Posted by: Adam M | January 30, 2011 at 08:09 AM