WATCH: Ray’s flair for art shines through

DIAGNOSED with autism at the age of four, Raymond Matthew Ledingham (24) from Pinetown, has always had a flair for art. Raymond’s oil painting titled ‘hats, gloves and bags’ has been chosen to be showcased at an art exhibition in the USA. The former Highway Christian Academy (now known as Highway College) and Wendon Academy learner, was non-verbal until he was four.

But he enjoyed art and won first prize at Wendon Academy for painting in 2007.

Raymond creates cardboard replicas of starship trooper vehicles from Star Wars to mechanical cardboard hands and drawing. He draws his inspiration mostly from the movies.

“I watch lots of movies and my favourite one is Alien. I also enjoy playing with my Xbox and meeting people,” he said.

Raymond is a huge fan of the Highway Mail and keeps newspaper cuttings in a portfolio.

“Articles that interest me or include people that I know or I would like to meet, are cut out and kept in my portfolio,” he said.

His mom, Jacqui, said Raymond was fortunate to be accepted to study at Intec College.

“He stayed for a short while at Horizon Farm in Shongweni for disabled adults. We brought him home and applied at the college. They accept people with a Standard 8 pass (Grade 10) which Ray does not have but was accepted on the merit of his portfolio. I submitted it to them for the recreational art professional course,” she said.

He started extra art lessons with Ilana Lloyd of Ilana’s Art classes in Cowies Hill and has thrived since.

“He loves his art lessons with Ilana as it gives him a chance to be with other people and to interact socially which is very important for him.

While Raymond was doing his art course, I was contacted by Saira Karim from UKZN who was doing autism research in young adults.

She asked for Raymond to participate in her study and we agreed. Saira was impressed with his talent and was instrumental in informing us and sending an email about an art exhibition in the USA that was looking for art worldwide from disabled artists.

“I emailed the woman in USA with details about Raymond and a picture of a painting he had just finished for an assignment for Intec. She contacted me and said they would be honoured to include his work as part of the Harvey Stevens International collection of art by people with disabilities which is maintained by the Waisman Centre, University of Wisconsin-Madison,” said Jacqui.

Raymond’s painting will be shipped to the USA. Jacqui said there are challenges that comes with having a child with autism.

“Raymond is now 24 and he is unemployed, I cant find him a job. The other challenge is that children with autism can also be a bit demanding when they grow up; but Raymond is a very good boy and he helps out with most of the house chores.

“If I could turn back the hands of time, I would definitely choose him,” she added.

She said Raymond has been working very hard to complete his course and has been supervised by Jared Joubert who has been invaluable in encouraging Raymond to achieve his best.

“We are grateful to everyone involved in Raymond’s journey and are so proud of his achievements,” she said.

Jacqui has set up a Facebook page called ‘Unofficial Everybody Loves Raymond’ as an encouragement to other parents who have children who are differently disabled.

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