Autistic teen dubbed Sunderland Banksy creates SAFC artwork to help overcome challenges
“After the diagnosis, Jack felt like the his whole life had been taken away”
The mother of a non verbal autistic teenager who also suffers from epilepsy has said her son has “got his life back” after finding a creative outlet to channel his emotions through creating spray paint artwork capturing his love for SAFC and his favourite players.
The quality of his artwork has seen him dubbed the ‘Sunderland Banksy’ by regulars at the Cambridge Pub where some of his artwork is on display.
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Jack, 19, is severely autistic and non verbal, but his challenges were amplified at the age of 14 when he started taking seizures, including at the Stadium of Light during one of the Black Cats fixtures. He was diagnosed with drug resistant epilepsy which has made the condition even more difficult for Jack to manage.
Hi mother, Sara, said: “After the diagnosis, Jack felt like the his whole life had been taken away. He would indicate to me that he just wanted it to stop and for this part of his brain to be taken away.”
Under the tutelage of Durham Spray Paints owner Lewis Hobson, Jack has turned to art as an outlet to channel his focus and emotions, and has set up his own Face Book page, Purple Brain Creations to showcase his work.
Under Lewis’s guidance, Jack has created a series of SAFC themed spray paint artworks including of captain Granit Xhaka and one of his favourite players, Luke O’Nien.
Sara said: “Due to a tremor caused by the medication used to manage his seizures, Jack can no longer use a brush, which is why he has turned to spray painting. Seeing his work and seeing it go on display at the pub, I’ve really seen his confidence grow and it has given him his life back.
“Lewis’s professionalism, patience, and commitment have enabled Jack to develop a unique artistic style and the support of people at the Cambridge Pub, including Steven and Rachel Usher, who run a Sunderland AFC Supporters’ Group, have played vital role in his journey.
“Jack’s consultant, Dr Steele, is also really pleased with the outlet and focus to help manage his condition that the painting has given him.”
Jack’s latest artwork captures Enzo Le Fee and his Spiderman inspired goal celebration at Everton.
Sara said: “Jack latches onto things he’s familiar with. He really likes Spiderman and so seeing Enzo’s celebration with his spiderman mask, he is now his favourite player.”
Sara has recently been contacted by the 24NE Gallery in Sunderland to ask about displaying Jack’s artwork.