Love and strong family support can drive a child to fulfill his passion. Todd who loved to doodle enhanced his skills to draw on wooden blocks and filled it with artistic colors. With encouragement from family and friends, he turned this skill into source of income and making his family proud. Todd is lucky to have a mother like Donna who is not only encouraging his passion but also actively participating in the block art making process. Both Todd and Donna are setting example for our community by making his skill as part of family fun activity. Donna has answered on Todd's behalf.

How did you started drawing block art? Did you take any formal training in art? What are the different things you create from block art?T: Todd likes to doodle. I (Mom), sanded a large block of wood until i.t was smooth. Todd has a lot off sensory issues. He started drawing on it. At first it was just lines that looked like a maze. Then he started coloring in the spaces. Todd received several compliments. I told him I think we may have stumbled onto something really cool. Something that other people will really like. Something they may even pay for. A something that Todd could actually earn money through. So I went to our barn and found some scrap 2X4 pine boards. I cut them into 5-6 inch blocks. After a good sanding, Todd draws on all sides then I put 3-4 coats of polyurethane. A few friends bought a block for $5. They’d have company and ask about where they could buy one. That’s how Todd’s Block Art was born.
Todd has had no art training. Now that he is in the 9th grade, he is in an Art class.
As customers has given suggestions, we have added items to Todd’s Block Art. Now Todd’s has Coasters, a set of 4 for $10; Tags, decoration, tree ornaments, or gift tags $2 or 1 free with every purchase; Necklace, 20” or 30” for $20; Keychains $3.

What is the process involved in creating block art? How do you decide what to draw?T: I, (mom) cuts and sands each wood piece. Todd is not able to safely use a power tool. Todd does all the art work. Then I put several layers of poly. Some items needs a hole drilled and ribbon/string is tied on items that require it.
Todd doesn’t have a plan of what he will draw. He does best when he watches t.v. I record the old (60s-80s) tv shows. Some of the shows are Batman, Six Million Dollar Man, Adams Family. New shows are The Librarian, Scorpion, Flash, and Marvel Agents of Shield. Every single item, every single side, every single time there has NEVER been a repeat design.

What is your favorite art creation so far and why?T: Todd does not have a favorite art piece. Although I think the big piece he did for me, is one he had a lot of fun doing.

What is the biggest block art you have done so far and for whom?T: The biggest piece was on a small table that is used as an island. The table was built by Todd’s Dad. Years ago it was a computer table. Then it’s been used as an island. When I was on Fall Break, I sanded and taped off an area on the table top. I gave Todd 3 days to draw inside the taped area. Then I stained and polyurethaned the table. It’s admired by every guest to our house.

What are your other hobbies?T: Todd enjoys anything Star Trek. He has a large VHS and DVD collection of most all of the Star Trek shows and movies. Todd also likes to “build with Legos”.

What is your favorite place to visit?T: Todd enjoys spending time at his brother’s house.

What do you like to do when you are in a good mood?T: Todd is never in a bad mood. He can get overwhelmed/stimulated easy. But he calm down in just a few minutes. When he can he likes to draw, play with Legos, and listen to music.

What is your favorite movie?T: Todd’s favorite movies are Star Trek and Star Wars.

Any special message for our community?T: Todd competes in the local Special Olympics in the spring. Each year the Olympic sponsors have each athlete to draw a picture for the local Olympic t-shirt. The winner has his/her design printed and distributed among all the athletes. Their friends and parents can purchase the t-shirt. The 2015 Spring Olympics t-shirt was designed by Todd. And for the first time in 25 years of doing t-shirts, the sponsors had to make a 2nd order due to the demand for the t-shirts. The thought that Todd wanted to share to the Special Children’s Art Display is what he put on his winning t-shirt is…..”Everyone is BEAUTIFUL regardless of color and special needs.”