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Ratziel San Juan (Philstar.com) – February 19, 2021 – 12:48 pm
MANILA, Philippines – Art therapy has helped 12-year-old Eric cope with autism, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when his parents lost their jobs and had to cut costs.
A timely opportunity for additional income came when Eric was commissioned to do a series of artworks.
The client, however, ended up rescuing due to unforeseen circumstances and even blocked Eric’s mother on social media. She had already spent on the materials while Eric finished the watercolors, leaves and flowers that were his favorite subject.
That’s when Eric’s art therapist, Martin Sy, stepped in to offer the paintings online.
Each work retailed for P1,500, but some social media users ended up paying more “because they really liked their paintings and they think it should be priced higher and they just want to help the family,” Martin said. Philstar.com in an online interview.
In the end, 14 of Eric’s artworks sold for around 50,000 pesos in total. The amount is enough to cover almost six months of your therapy.
“Eric’s mom was very happy and proud because they didn’t expect the support to be so overwhelming,” Martin said.
Martin, the Executive Director of Project Mbrace and the Director of Program and Development for Special Achievers, helps fund Eric’s speech pathology and occupational therapy. He regularly volunteers as an art therapist for children with cancer and learning disabilities, as well as for those who were physically raped and abused.
Martin has known Eric for almost three years as his art therapist. Although the young artist remains non-verbal, Martin observed that art therapy, along with constant speech and occupational therapy, has greatly enhanced Eric’s development.
“It is through art that you can express yourself,” Martin said.
Martin said they also sold paintings by his other students, who similarly fund his therapy.
Related cases can refer to art therapist organizations, Special Achievers, which helps young people with disabilities “reach their potential by focusing on their strengths and passions,” and the Mbrace project, which helps “children with disabilities. in the time of COVID-19 “.
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