Sibling love is a beautiful thing. Isabel, a 33-year-old talented artist with Down Syndrome, has had her work displayed in galleries thanks to her brother Ryan. Isabel has used art to cope with her condition. Here is her story in the words of her brother.
“Isabel started painting as part of her therapy to battle depression and through this we noticed that she really has a talent for it. My family and I were concerned when she stopped painting, so I basically just shot my mouth off and promised her that’d I’d get her artworks seen in a gallery in London.
So, I started sending out emails with high res snaps of Isabel’s works and eventually she was selected for an exhibition at the Menier Gallery in London Bridge. Through this, two other galleries have offered exhibition space. Until a few years ago she was a bubbly, outgoing young woman Recently, her mental state has deteriorated substantially and she has been fighting a string of terrible behavioural patterns like obsessional washing, self-harming and now has a severe depression along with very low levels of self-esteem. My mother takes her to a psychiatrist once a week and painting forms a substantial part of the therapy. Through this we discovered Isabel’s passion and talent. Unfortunately, Isabel thinks that there is no point in her continuing to paint, since nobody will ever appreciate or look at the works of a Down syndrome person. I am determined not to let her talent go to waste and to show her that there is an audience out there. To motivate her to carry on, I promised that I’d find a way of getting her work seen in galleries and this has become a huge source of motivation and joy for her.”
Ryan has already succeeded in helping Isabel, who lives in Berlin. Why not give your support? Click on the links below to get involved.
http://www.isabel-ups-downs.org/index.html