Connections 2 (2005)

About the Artist:
Heather Willis is a long-time advocate in the disability community, participating on committees and in community groups since she was a child growing up in an institution in Toronto. Though she does not necessarily identify herself as an artist, she has a particular interest in the area of disability and the arts. This interest was sparked as a student in the Disability Studies Program at Ryerson University where she became aware of the role of disability arts within the disability movement and its potential to effect social change.

A recent graduate of the Disability Studies Program at Ryerson University, Willis hopes to pursue her studies with a Master’s Degree in the near future.

Artist's Statement:
This two-sided sculpture, constructed with wheelchair parts and everyday items, illustrates the tragedy versus freedom that the wheelchair represents. It conveys complex ideas that would otherwise take many pages to describe and is the culmination of my final thesis project in the Bachelor of Arts, Disability Studies Program at Ryerson University.

The wheelchair is an international symbol of disability. With this in mind, this project explores and illustrates the negative attitudes, perceptions and identities often associated with the wheelchair specifically and disability in general. Further, it juxtaposes these perceptions with the more positive relationship wheelchair users themselves have with the thing that provides them mobility and freedom. It challenges the medical model of disability and the wheelchair as merely a piece of medical equipment.

The inspiration for this endeavour was research I encountered on the Sociology of the Wheelchair, which revealed a myriad of relationships and ideas, the complexity of which is not typically associated with a piece of technology.

The participation in the production of disability art and culture has been described as a way to "fight back" against negative stereotypes. Employing art to challenge ablest perceptions expands this project into an analysis of the role of disability art and culture within the disability movement.

Significant components include those representing the wheelchair as "transformative technology" and "political machine". Masks are represented on either side. The "tragedy side" mask is transparent, without identity or voice. The eyes are vacant holes behind which is a mirror enabling the viewer's face to be reflected. In addition, a lab coat clad arm floats above the mask in a classic head-patting position. Furthermore, the head-patting action is made interactive. As the viewer pulls forward the wheelchair handle, the hand raises and lowers to pat the head of the mask. The two elements of the mirror behind the mask and the interactive head pat, potentially places the viewer in the unique position of being both the head patter and the head patted.

On the "freedom side" the mask is lifelike with mouth open and eyes wide. The open mouth gives voice to protest in the quote "Nothing about Us without US", a phrase adopted as an international slogan of the disability movement worldwide. In addition, a pair of handcuffs hangs open with their keys alongside representing emancipation. A sign sits atop the display. One side of the sign represents the blue and white symbol for hospital while the other side depicts a placard with the words "Access Now!!"