For a long time, Jarett Tan had difficulty in school. His stories about the way characters would leap around on the pages of the books and worksheets he was supposed to be studying got him labeled as a dreamer, at best — and lazy, at worst. His teachers and classmates frustrated with him, it took his mother and a barrage of tests to determine that he was actually dyslexic, coupled with a disorder in how he visually perceives images around him.
The diagnosis offered a great deal of relief to both Jarett and his mother, who now had a way to move forward in school and life. Jarett receives extra attention at school, now, and his mother is impressed to find how absorbed he gets into his new favorite hobby: painting. Jarett can sit still and paint for hours, which is inspiring based on the fact that he used to be able to only sit still for about half an hour while reading and focusing on schoolwork.
Even though some subjects are still a struggle, requiring Jarett to stay up late to complete his assignments, he’s found new freedom in expressing himself through art. He says that painting is one of the only ways to relieve the stress that builds during the day due to coursework and homework. One of his paintings of a colorful line of houses is set to go on display at a special art show in Egypt. Jarett is the first Singaporean to be invited to display his work at this particular show, making him an ambassador for the nation — as well as for people with similar diagnoses as his.
This kind of creative success has inspired Jarett to look to his future in the art world. He says that he is inspired by architecture and Vincent van Gogh, adding that he hopes to one day be able to own one of the master’s paintings himself. Jarett says his goal is to attend art school in Singapore following his traditional school career. From there, for the boy, the path is straightforward: get famous, sell paintings, and save up to be able to afford to own “The Starry Night.”
Art can be accessible for anyone who is willing to learn. Visit SGArtClass.com to educate yourself about all the incredible possibilities art has to offer you. From watercolor painting to graffiti art, assemblage art to recycled art, and every artistic genre in between, SGArtClass.com is guaranteed to offer art classes that will inspire you to create. It doesn’t matter if you’re already an accomplished artist looking for feedback on portfolio pieces or a beginning artist still grappling with basics like loading the paintbrush and the color wheel. Our expert teachers are on hand to give you the skills you need to complete the projects you’re most passionate about, leading to a lifelong passion for art.
To read more about Jarett and his dreams of an artistic future, go to http://www.tnp.sg/lifestyle/health/dyslexic-spore-boy-10-paints-bigger-picture-irlen-syndrome.