Autistic Artist’s First Solo Show Brings Viewers into His World

“Pick any of these paintings,” artist Tim Blackwell said to one onlooker in a packed art gallery. On April 6, Tim celebrated his first solo art show, a major milestone for any artist, with an opening evening reception. Pieces from his collection, the World of Wobbley, were for sale and he sold 20 items in just two hours resulting in more than $1,200 of earnings for Tim. But what makes this show and opening reception even more impressive is that Tim has autism.

Tim is 26 years old but has been drawing since he was little. He has an endless stream of inspiration and has filled sketchbook after sketchbook. His family has always encouraged his artistic pursuits, which largely focus on inanimate objects that he gave personalities and stories.

From a smiling box of crayons that is now proudly displayed in the Boundless Administration building in Worthington to “Rebocca,” a tennis shoe with superpowers, Tim’s art makes everyday objects into something extraordinary. The sheer volume in his collection is remarkable. In the main gallery of Blockfort, you are surrounded by so many original sketches and drawings, there is almost too much detail to take in at once. You will find framed, full color drawings, that mostly feature monsters and their smaller forms. There are also framed black ink sketches each with a description of the character’s personality and powers. It’s clear that Tim takes time and care to capture each one’s essence. Spectators can also comb through hundreds of quick sketches hung on a wire. for.

Tim’s loved ones and support staff from Boundless attended, including Angela Bellin, coaching specialist for the E-Conn (Economic Connections) program. It was a kick for Tim and his loved ones to see the art “flying off the walls,” in Bellin’s words. Tim happily signed each piece sold and periodically did a happy dance when the excitement hit. He spoke with attendees and answered any questions they had. He smiled for photos with his art and his fans, all while his family watched with pride. Bellin said, “The positive recognition and support Tim receives is what drives him. Tim loves sharing his art with others. He is both humble, and eager to connect with the community.”

This art show was a long time coming for Tim. In March of 2023, Boundless featured Tim in an article and a podcast. At that time, he’d just earned recognition from The Awesome Company (TAC), a screen-printing company that recognized his artistic talent. He’d won a design contest and had earned himself ongoing work designing T-shirts for TAC. He is paid for every design and receives royalties for every shirt sold.

Jacquie Mahan, CEO of TAC, and Bellin were both instrumental in making this show a reality. Mahan used to own a gallery and still has friends in the Columbus art world, and Bellin is an expert at helping the people she serves make connections. And that’s where Adam Brouilette came in. Brouilette is a longtime friend of Mahan’s and a fellow artist. He now owns Blockfort, which houses a gallery and studio spaces for other artists. Upon seeing Tim’s work, he offered Tim a solo show during Autism Acceptance Month.

Bellin has been with Tim through the entire journey and continued to coach and support him leading up to the show. “In the last year, I have seen Tim grow into a professional artist and author. Being a part of that growth is such a joy,” Bellin said. “I’m thrilled for Tim.”

The World of Wobbley exhibit is open at Blockfort on Fridays and Saturdays until April 27, 2024. You may walk into the world of Tim’s imagination and walk out with a new perspective on the objects you see and use every day.