Eriks Art
Rob Kay
The daily news of Alaska adn.com/stories/T99110772.html might seem an unlikely place to find inspiration in the depth of winter, but a story printed on Sunday, November 7, 1999 gives a detailed biography of an extraordinary and gifted artist.
22 year old Erik Behnke, who has Downs Syndrome. His work is displayed in
galleries, bookshops and gift stores around the state. He's creating material
for the 2001 Special Olympics World Winter Games. And the Disney Corp. is
interested in selling his drawings. The drawings depicts wildlife in a
rudimentary but provocative style. They emerged on paper in Erik's own abstract
style, which gallery owners describe as whimsical and childlike, compelling and
compassionate. Erik's prints sold for $25 last year. Now most galleries sell
them for $40. They're available on the Internet for the same price. But
regardless of his disability, gallery owners say, his work would sell anyway.
Erik has created the official poster for the 2001 Special Olympics World Winter
Games, to be held in Anchorage. The poster, which will be featured around the
world, depicts drawings of sporting events held at the winter games. The images
include a speed skater, an Alpine skier and a snowboarder. It's a departure from
Erik's usual drawings of animals. Earlier he created images for Christmas cards
put out by the Special Olympics. Erik spends from five to 10 hours a day at his
drawing table or sprawled on the floor, where he prefers to colour backgrounds.
Hunched over a page, he is clearly enthralled by what he creates. His gaze
embodies concentration. Erik Behnke's work can be viewed at
maserith.com/brownbear/
Erik is a young adult Alaskan artist and Special Olympics athlete. He has
competed in
Erik has become very involved in the 2001 Special Olympics World Winter Games Alaska. He did the art for 8 posters, pens and men's ties to be sold in 2000. Watch for his work on the
2001 World Winter Games website.