VANCOUVER – Jose Antonio or J.A. Tan was only three years old when he was diagnosed as a high functioning autistic.
Life wasn’t easy for a child with autism back in the Philippines, which is why their move to Vancouver was a big turning point for the whole family.
Zellie Tan, J.A.’s mother said, “He got bullied and called abnormal.”
“We told him, you are different. Do the best with what you have.”
His mother says it was in Vancouver where J.A. learned independence and creativity.
J.A. said, “It was hard at first but then I got over it. I get inspired by my painting.”
J.A.’s excitment and pride was clear when he welcomed guests at the opening of his first exhibit in Vancouver. Family, friends, former classmates and teachers came to the Emily Carr University where he graduated with a Fine Arts degree.
J.A.’s former teacher, Landon Mackenzie said, “He would just draw thoroughly... He just really progressed so much about how his work fit into a larger context.”
Tan’s works have also been show at the Ayala Museum in Manila.
