John-Carlos Schaut
Each of my works has a special meaning. My art is centered around what I like to do, what I can do, and what I'm aiming to do. I am forever learning new things. I have fine motor challenges. I love to hike and work with sensory art. The fiber arts are suited to me; it calms my (nervous) system and brings me joy. Currently, my art is felted soaps, eco-printed cards and towels, and small batch dyed cloth from my dyers' garden or wilderness foraged from my nature hikes. I have taken classes from professional artists who teach me, and adapt the process with me, as I am a nonspeaking autist.
Many people with disabilities and some on the autism spectrum lose the use of their hands and their ability to point. My fingers are often my voice as I point on a letterboard to express deep thought. I can speak and am always working on that as well. The art process is both therapeutic and life-giving. It gives me purpose and a small income too. We call my studio Paraclete Art. "Paraclete" is a Greek military term. Soldiers went into battle paired up, standing back to back, sword in hand. The person standing behind them was the "wing man" whom the others relied on to watch his back. This was the trusted soldier and friend called "Paraclete." Paraclete also means "to come alongside of." My staff, my family, and the professional artists I work with are my Paracletes. Although 1 am working more and more independently, they help me with the finishing touches of presenting my art and the work of my hands. I would love to share my art studio and invite others to see how I work. This space is at my home studio, right in the Harborside Arts District. |