EURweb |
PEOPLE OF NOTE: Haile King Rubie: The Up and Downs Portrait of Life
*People complain about things they endure in life, insecurities often brought on by society telling people they don’t fit a certain mold. Too fat, too skinny, too poor, not light enough, not dark enough, over educated, under educated, brought up on the wrong side of town. Some people feel they are on a never ending treadmill to Nowhereville. A dim lit cul-de-sac concocted by their fears which prevents them from utilizing their talents and freeing their minds to see, as humans, we are more limitless than limited.
But what if you were born with Downs Syndrome like Haile King Rubie? Downs syndrome is known to cause heart problems and mild to moderate mental retardation. It increases the chance of birth defects and distinguishing physical features. Those who have the syndrome are afflicted with a chromosomal disorder. Although no one else in Haile’s family has the disorder, 17 years ago, Haile was born with the affliction. He was blessed to be born into a family that wouldn’t let Haile feel different. In fact, they didn’t even tell Haile something was wrong with him because as far as they were concerned nothing was wrong with Haile. His family decided that instead of making the determination Haile was a child with special needs, they would instead see Haile as a child who had special abilities. So when at an early age, Haile demonstrated a propensity toward painting, the entire family encouraged him. That encouragement, love, and support has set Haile on a course that may sure up his financial future one day.
Haile’s parents never put Haile in a special school. Instead they placed him in the Learning Tree School where he attended school from grade 4 to Junior High with regular school children. While there, Haile embraced his courses, played and competed with other children. Although, he was often academically slower, he was able to keep up with his work. Well liked, Haile exudes confidence. He is a joy to be around and thus the other school children, his neighborhood and the Harlem community where Haile was born and raised, embrace and support his progress.
Haile studies painting with Haitian artist, Carl Thelemarque, for 4 to 6 hours a day after school. Via Thelemarque’s tutelage, young Rubie’s skills have elevated to the extent his artwork has been viewed nationally and internationally. In fact, there are those that suggest Haile’s work resembles that of Picasso, Chagall, Miro and Klee.
“My son has an interesting painting style. Anyone viewing his artwork can see that his style has a strong cultural and spiritual bent. Much of his work is abstract in style but his choice of colors and form, are symbolic of the freedom of expression and independence that we encourage in Haile’s personality and which he has transferred to his paintings. Many of his paintings have a strong African influence,” remarked Bernardo Rubie, Haile’s father. In fact, Haile’s mother is from Liberia, West Africa.
Haile’s acrylic paintings are remarkable. The day this writer viewed them, there were 30 pieces of his work on display. They are vibrant. Some displayed a childlike innocence while others demonstrate an amazing depth of field, proportion, texture, and aesthetic value which appears to have fostered his inner confidence and thus expanded his awareness of the inner teacher that seems ever present in Haile’s consciousness. This inner awareness helps Haile to develop his self-motivation and creative independence which appears to intuit a special knowledge that enables Haile to follow his own personal, expressive direction. Not only does Haile paint, he is also a musician, who is well versed in percussion. He dances both African and hip style and is a strong swimmer.
'Harlem Night' painted by Haile King Rubie
Although Haile is daily challenged by the rigors of Downs Syndrome, his talent, confidence, vitality, and sense of well being, gives credence to the depth of the human spirit. Haile has applied his will to find his way and through the love and encouragement of his family, Haile is painting a portrait of success.
Share and Bookmark |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
