A nonverbal artist tears paper as practice—her work takes center stage in a paper collage project demonstrating the possibilities of collaborating across abilities

Neva Delashmutt Sincick

People with disabilities often struggle with loneliness and isolation. Art is one way to bridge the gap—and using it as a point of connection and empowerment was a crucial aim of the Let ‘Er Rip project and exhibit. The work was sparked by artist Neva Delashmutt Sincick, who is nonverbal and disabled; she tears up books, magazines, and printed matter. What might be viewed as mere pastime is recognized here as artistry, a dedicated practice that doubles as generative act. Organizers worked with Sincick and family to distribute her torn paper to a network of Pacific Northwest collage artists. In turn, they created 24 new pieces, a diverse cross-section of contemporary collage that showed in Portland, Ore. While the collaborating artists never spoke to or met Sincick, their work is in inherent dialogue with hers and suggests the creative potential of untraditional collaborations that encompass people of all abilities.

The Let ‘Er Rip project team consists of Neva Delashmutt Sincick, Hope Amico, Cheryl Chudyk, Torea Frey (organizer), Clive Knights, Andrea Lewicki, Katie Price & Ash Iubatti, Lara Rouse, Kevin Sampsell, Sumeet Singh (organizer), Cherie Savoie Tintary, Greg Traw, Kathryn Kramer Waters, and Paul Kramer Waters.

Additional works from the project, and more information about it, can be seen at https://LetErRipArt.com

Inch by Inch

Torea Frey

Landscape II

Sumeet Singh

Calm Machine #1

Hope Amico

Caught in Quiet Friendship

Kathryn Kramer Waters