"On and On...Step by Step" The Artworks of J.A. Tan An Artist With Autism

J.A. Tan (Jose Antonio Tan), a Filipino visual artist based in Vancouver who describes himself as an artist with autism, comes back to Manila for his second one-man show entitled "On and On...Step by Step..." at the Artist Space at the Ayala Museum that started last August 21, 2010 running until September 3, 2010.

Before the age of three, J.A. Tan was diagnosed as a high functioning child with autism. But, that didn't stop him from pursuing his dreams of becoming a visual artist. He moved to Vancouver in 2006 when he was accepted at Emily Carr University of Art + Design, attaining a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts in 2010. Since then, he never stopped working as a visual artist doing couple of solo shows, as well as group shows in Vancouver, the Philippines, and the United States.

J.A. Tan with his artwork "Victory"

Victory by J.A.Tan

But, the biggest achievement is yet to come to the life of the young artist. J.A. Tan's painting, the "Victory", was featured on a UN stamp last year. There were hundreds of entries all over the world, but, only eight made it to the top. And one of those will be his work. It was issued on April 2, 2012. The print of the art piece and the first issue of the stamp can be seen on his exhibit.

First issue of the stamp of the painting "Victory"

Just recently, last August 8, 2013, J.A. gave an opening speech at the 13th Biennial Conference of the International Association of Special Education at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C.. He shared his personal story about overcoming challenges and pursuing his love for art. He says:

"I have to the realization that I have always used art as a way of helping myself bring out my thoughts, feelings, and ideas. I consider it an integral part of my existence as each work is a personal journey of myself with myself, and myself with the world, bringing a feeling of peace and happiness since things become clearer to me through the images and visual pictures before me."

J.A. Tan specializes in painting, drawing, and collage. He uses acrylic, oil, black ink, pencil, crayons, pastel and mixed media for his art pieces.

Some of J.A. Tan's paintings

To view more of his works, visit his virtual art gallery at www.artofjatan.com or call +1 (604) 733-1306 to visit his studio on Granville Island. You may also reach him through his email artofjatan@gmail.com.