Uncategorized

H-F Board recognizes outstanding sports teams

Artist Ben G. Salus points out
features of the original Bubble-
opalis painting.
(Photo by Eric
Crump/The Chronicle)

What if “normal” people could get a glimpse of what it’s like to be autistic and to appreciate the challenges the condition presents for relationships with others? 

Homewood artist Ben G. Salus has an idea that might accomplish just that. 

Bubbleopalis.

Salus had an idea for a children’s story that would appeal to adults, too. The tale was inspired by and portrays the relationship between his 2-year-old daughter and her autistic 6-year-old brother. In the story, Mina is a fairy princess who gets whisked into what seems like a strange floating world propelled by music, where she meets its prince, based on her brother, Asher,who helps her navigate his world.

Salus has created more than the story, though. He’s got oil paintings depicting scenes from Bubbleopalis lining his studio and plans for a walk-through “book” that will tell the story through 24 7-foot-square panels.

He said he is known in Chicago for his dark, urban, sometimes morbid work. This is a new direction that has him excited about the possibilities.

“I’ve never had a project like this,” Salus said. “I feel like this is the best concept I’ve ever had.”

He has other ideas for sharing this world and its story. He is exploring the possibility of producing the story in print book form. Another idea would include puppet performance with the walk-through book installation. He said several Chicago art galleries have already expressed interest in hosting the exhibit when it is finished.

Now, he just needs the materials to make it happen.

Salus is using online crowdfunding and traditional community fundraising to get the resources he needs.

He created a Kickstarter campaign that launched Dec. 14 and within a few days it made the minimum goal of $2,500 in pledges. As of Saturday, Dec. 20, the project had 24 backers who had pledged $2,721. 

That means the project will be funded, but to build the fully realized world he envisions, additional contributions will be needed.

Contributions to the project will primarily be used for materials and production costs, and some will go toward the costs of investment returns to Kickstarter contributors, who will receive prints or original art, depending on the level of support they provide.

He’s also using more traditional fundraising methods, including an event Saturday, Dec. 27, at Mama & Me Pizzeria, 18219 Dixie Highway. In addition to receiving 10 percent of sales from the restaurant, there will be raffles of items from local businesses, including gift certificates from Mama & Me, The Art Corner, Thomas Photographic Services and 3Dimensional Wellness.

Matt Bailey will provide the music during the evening hours of the event.


Bubbleopalis on Kickstarter


Contact Eric Crump at [email protected]
 

From left, Asher, Ben and Mina Salus work together to create art. The three contributed to the
art and the idea that led to Bubbleopalis.
(Photo by Eric Crump/The Chronicle)

 

News by email

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Name

Free weekly newsletter

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Name
Most read stories this week