The Inside Man. The art of Julius van der Wat.

We all know that appearances often deceive, but getting to know the mind of 37 year old Julius van der Wat has been a lesson in the preconceptions we have on these deceptions. Julius has spastic quadriplegic palsy and only has limited movement of his neck and head. He was born a twin to an able-bodied brother, Koos, and regards himself as ‘differently abled’. On getting to know the ‘inside’ workings of this remarkable young man, you are immediately aware that his mind is not disabled in any way. Sitting in his wheelchair, Julius is often thought to be mentally below par, especially as his speech is labored. The truth is, that he holds down a job in the computer department at a school, computers being part of the ‘freedom’ from his wheelchair. As he has the movement of his head, one of his 4 brothers, Izak, who is an engineer, designed a headset with a stylis, to enable him to use a computer. With the aid of the Sketchbook pro 1 App on his iPad, he also does Artworks, which he is able to exhibit and sell. These come directly from a mighty heart that feeds a unique mind, allowing him to ‘paint’ out his feelings and frustrations. His enthusiasm for life, his cerebral involvement with sport, politics, the state of the world, is heightened by his ability to perceive things differently, sitting on the sidelines, unable to partake physically, but feeding the ‘inside’ man. He has provincial colours for the sport of Boccia, which is a type of bowls, adapted to differently abled participants. Here, Jafta is his partner, carrying out Juius’s commands. Julius ha a remarkably supportive family and lives a surprisingly independent life, living at home with a helper, Jafta, who takes care of his everyday physical needs. His interests extend to collecting scale models of vintage cars and teddy bears, the wisdom of Winnie the Poo appealing to his sensitivities