SouthCoast Autistic Artist Shares Out of This World Creations

This local artwork is out of this world.

Caleb Gibbs is a young SouthCoast resident whose artistic talent has heads turning. His stunning designs and unique application combine to create works of art that he calls "Cosmic Creations."

READ MORE: Massachusetts Artist Creates Betty White Postage Stamp

Finding Inspiration

While taking a collision class, the instructor showed students (including Caleb) a spray painting technique to apply on cars.

"The teacher showed them how to make planets with layering paint; adding texture with newspaper and using the lids of the paint to give the planet shape," Caleb's mom Megan said. "Caleb soaked in all that and ran with it, finding new techniques from watching others on YouTube and experimenting."

He then added his own touch to make the artwork really pop.

"Caleb found plastic bags gave a better texture that made the planets look more realistic and played around discovering he could make asteroids, shooting stars, star bursts and nebula (aurora borealis)," Megan said.

READ MORE: Beautiful New Taunton Mural Recognizes Specific Neighborhood's History

Spray Painting on the Spectrum

Creating these cosmic masterpieces has been a great outlet for Caleb, who was diagnosed with "sudden onset autism" or "regressive autism" in the fifth grade. His condition occurs when a child who has been developing normally suddenly loses previously acquired skills, particularly in language and social interaction.

It took four years of working with specialists to regain many of the skills he lost. Now, at the age of 18, he's thriving in the art world as his love of painting has become a passion.

Finding an Outlet in Art

"When he does his art, it calms him and helps him relax. When he is painting, he feels he can drift into his work and not have to worry and focus on other things," Megan said.

READ MORE: Rhode Island Young Artist Tops Competition

"It feels like a moment after a storm, when things settling down and everything is coming back to life. A tranquil peace," Caleb said.

Not only is the work rewarding for Caleb, the appreciation from the community has been overwhelming.

"Many say they have not seen this type of artwork in this area, only big cities like NYC," Megan said.

Upcoming Events:

• June 7 Fox Run Mall (Newington, NH)
  10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• June 14 Arts in the Alley, Lops Brewery (Woonsocket, RI)
  1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• June 21 & 22 Vineyard Vibes Art Festival, Running Brook Vineyard and Winery (Dartmouth)
  11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days
  *live paint demonstrations at this event*
• August 9 Looff Art Festival, Crescent Park (Riverside, RI)
  11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  *live paint demonstrations at this event*