Artist explores neurodiversity

Hamilton, Ohio – It’s no secret that artists often look at the world differently.

The Fitton Center for Creative Arts newest SOS ART Artist in Residence – ceramicist Rick DeForrest – has some science behind his artistic viewpoint.

DeForrest was diagnosed with dyslexia in the mid-1970s while attending elementary school on the east side of Cincinnati. However, the diagnosis didn’t come with much of a plan to address the issue.

“Back then they didn’t know as much as they do now,” he said. “It was kind of painful, actually. It was stigmatic, being different. That’s when I struggled the most. I never felt that confident. I kind of froze, became idle.”

He eventually found his way to Northern Kentucky University, graduating in 2007 as a non-traditional student in his late 30s.

“I was kind of drifting,” he said. “I always liked to draw, so I thought I’d become a graphic designer. Then I took a ceramics class and something kind of intuitive opened up for me. My first 100 sculptures were so primitive. Just raw. But I learned.”

DeForrest - who also is an artist in residence at Queen City Clay, where he keeps a studio – explores the connection between neurodiversity and art in his Fitton Center residency.

One persistent concept of learning disabilities stated students had a glitch within their nervous system. DeForrest delves into that metaphor by building fragmented figurative ceramics and a wall piece representing educational infographics pertaining to special education.

As part of his residency, DeForrest offers a FREE workshop for artist ages 12 to 16 entitled We Will Not Be Standardized. The workshop runs 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 31, at the Fitton Center. Students use graffiti typography to vandalize DeForrest’s work as they reimagine the concept of learning differences.

Registration is available online right here or by phone at 513-863-8873, ext. 110. Space is limited to 10 students.

DeForrest doesn’t mind sacrificing some of his work for students to explore their own artistic approach.

“It’s the interaction,” he said. “It might be about the fear and feelings. It might be about the process more than the pieces.”

Regardless, DeForrest is happy to create.

“As long as I’m doing ceramics, life in general is better, more purposeful,” he said. “Art is what gives me my focus.”

The Fitton Center for Creative Arts is located at 101 S. Monument Avenue on the Riverfront in downtown Hamilton, Ohio.

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