Eddie Verdonk cherished Tuesdays as a child. Attending a Catholic school, he was sent to a public school for art classes every Tuesday. “It was a time, without judgment, to just create,” remarked Verdonk, now a patient services associate at the Mary Rackham Institute.
One memorable art lesson introduced him to graphite realism. “The teacher gave us half of a picture from a magazine, then we used grid paper to render the other half. That process spurred on art as a creative hobby for me,” he said.
Though formal art classes ended after middle school, Verdonk continued creating, blending graphite realism with abstract interpretations of his friends. At U-M, he explored photorealism and spent four days on a portrait of a Chinese actress, a piece he cherishes.
Art became a tool to navigate personal struggles, reflecting his experiences in shadow boxes. “I was turning art into more of a sublimative effort,” he explained.
Art as a lifeline
In his mid-20s, art became essential for Verdonk after a severe accident. “In 2018, a little over a year after I graduated from college, I was struck by a motorist and sustained a traumatic brain injury,” Verdonk shared.
After losing weight in the hospital, he began bodybuilding and drinking, leading to isolation. Art became his way to appear capable and express himself. “After my accident, I took my art very seriously,” he noted.
Verdonk’s work became intricate and time-consuming, with one piece taking over 100 hours. He also worked full-time in the food industry but eventually sought help for alcohol addiction, creating art as a sober goal.
Art became a symbol of his sobriety journey, culminating in three significant pieces. He has remained alcohol-free for over four years.
Fewer rules, more fun
Verdonk now works full-time at U-M and plans to pursue a master’s in social work. He is reevaluating art’s role in his life, seeking joy over pressure. “I want to feel liberated by my creativity,” he expressed.
His recent works include bookmarks with pressed flowers, a process he finds enjoyable. Verdonk is revisiting photorealism and creating mixed media pieces without strict rules, using various materials.
Considering a future in art therapy, Verdonk values art as a creative outlet. He emphasizes the importance of hobbies separate from professional work, allowing art to remain an expression of personal creativity.
—
Read More Michigan News
