By Envision Arts Center
Artwork created by Clarke Reynolds
“American ̶W̶a̶y̶ Words" transcends a traditional art exhibition. It is an all-encompassing, interactive space that invites audiences to discover language and communication through tactile and visual experiences, embracing inclusivity and delight in exploration.
Clarke Reynolds achieves this through colorful wall tiles that juxtapose British English and American English, humorously highlighting their differences…
Scrabble (2024) by Clarke ReynoldsEnvision Arts Center
And through a larger than life game of “Clarke’s Braille Scrabble.”
Clarke’s visually stimulating color-coded alphabet showcases the braille dot, bringing accessibility to the forefront.
The American ̶W̶a̶y̶ Words promotes literacy through the association of color and shape, paired with an environment curated for play and curiosity.
26 pairs of brightly-backed square tiles spell out short phrases with color-coded Braille, playfully comparing Clarke’s native British vernacular to an American one. These pairings offer a glimpse into the cultural tapestry that language weaves, fostering conversations about accessibility, diversity and the shared experience of art.
Use the key to explore some of his works!
Chips (left image): A yellow wooden board with colorful Braille letters made from painted wooden discs. The Braille spells "chips, fat, chunky, potatoes, uk". Fries (right image): A yellow wooden board with colorful Braille letters made from painted wooden discs. The Braille spells "fries, long, skinny, potatoes"
Drawing Pin (left image): A dark green wooden board with colorful Braille letters made from painted wooden discs. The Braille spells "drawing, pin, don't draw with it". Thumb Tack (right image): A dark green wooden board with colorful Braille letters made from painted wooden discs. The Braille spells "thumb tack, push with fingers".
Candy Floss (left image): A light pink wooden board with colorful Braille letters made from painted wooden discs. The Braille spells "candy floss a sweet dance act." Cotton Candy (right image): A light pink wooden board with colorful Braille letters made from painted wooden discs. The Braille spells "cotton candy sweet earbuds."
“My art and workshops invite us to rediscover the child within, to learn and play irrespective of age."
–Clarke Reynolds
The American ̶W̶a̶y̶ Words invites audiences to interact with the art, and with each other.
To see the full exhibit, visit Envision Arts Center's collection page.
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