 Devin Stewart, 16, was diagnosed with autism as a young boy. He is a life-long resident of Prior Lake, Minnesota. Devin is in many ways a typical teenager, liking music, movies and video games like Guitar Hero and Sing-Star. He lives with his parents, June Phillipp and Ross Stewart. Devin attends District 287 in Richfield MN. Since he was young, he has enjoyed art in the phases that most children do. He started with coloring and copying, and has used different art mediums, pen, pencil and charcoal drawings. When Devin started to paint, both with oils and acrylics, his skills seemed to expand.
While Devin initially watched and followed artists on television, such as Bob Ross and Pappy, he also learned to take ideas from art books, magazines, and images off the internet. Devin even enjoys recreating some commercial art, such as the pictures on the covers of video movies and DVDs. Devin's autism disorder can make it difficult to share his thoughts and emotions. It turns out that art is critical to his being able to socialize with others and to better communicate his feelings, which he otherwise has problems describing even to those closest to him. Art allows Devin to share a part of himself that others don't generally see.
As time has gone by, Devin has worked with different staff members, teachers, and music and art therapists. Each individual added their own knowledge and helped Devin become the artist he is evolving to be. Devin uses his time at home to paint, often independently and with the encouragement of family and caregivers. His skills are improving, along with his creativity. While Devin may be inspired by a picture or drawing, and is skilled enough to do a close replica if he desires, Devin more often will make subtle or extravagant changes. These personalized alterations, whether in form, color or content, can provide a glimpse into what Devin sees and feels when he is creating his art.
Devin has had some of his artwork on display at the Prior Lake City Hall in August and September of 2009. He had an Art Opening on September 18, 2009 at the City Hall, which was attended by family, friends, caregivers, teachers, local officials. At the art opening Devin's art work was available for purchase, and many paintings were sold that evening. The Prior Lake American newspaper also did a profile on Devin and his artwork in August 2009.
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Featured Painting
Featured Painting
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