Turning the lens

artworks

Turning the lens around

Conventional art can be frustrating for kids with disabilities who have great ideas but poor fine-motor skills.

But digital photography is proving more accessible in Light Writers, a 10-week course for youth with and without disabilities at Bloorview’s Centre for the Arts.

“Digital cameras are accessible and don’t require the fine-motor dexterity needed for drawing or clay,” says commercial photographer Brenda Spielmann, who runs the program. “They can be used in a wheelchair or with the child operating a switch.”

Brenda says the purpose of Light Writers is “to teach photography as an art medium, to empower the children and to give them an option for a vocational skill.”

She notes that children with disabilities are often the subject of photos “and it’s important that we change the lens around and give them the skills to photograph their lives from their own point of view. In this program, they’re not outsiders anymore. They’re in control.” For more information on Light Writers, call (416) 425-6220, ext. 3317.

STUDENT TAKE

BLOOM interviewed Bennie Taryn, 16, a participant in Light Writers whose work is featured above. Bennie has a genetic condition called familial dysautonomia.

BLOOM: How does digital photography compare with other art for kids with fine-motor issues?

Bennie Taryn: For me, digital photography is the easiest form of art because you don't have to do much with your hands. With drawing or painting my hands get tired after a while but with the camera I can go for hours. Digital photography still feels artistic because I'm still looking at stuff and arranging stuff with an artistic eye.

BLOOM: What impact has Light Writers had on you?

Bennie Taryn: This class made me appreciate photography more, do more photography, experiment more, and find a style of photography that I like. I really enjoy the class. I look forward to it.

BLOOM: What kind of images do you like to photograph and why?

Bennie Taryn: I like to photograph objects, animals, plants, food and babies. I'm not really sure why I like these particular things but I enjoy photographing them more than landscapes or people.

BLOOM: Is photography in your future?

Bennie Taryn: Yes! I hope I can become a photographer one day. I really enjoy it and I want a job that I can enjoy.