The artist, Sarah Vogwill, writes:

I was contacted by a new art collector in southeast England. He wrote:

DEAR SARAH,

MY SON NINE YEAR OLD SON (ANTHONY) IS AUTISTIC AND ALSO VERY ARTISTIC. HE LOVES YOUR PHOTOGRAPH BECAUSE IT LOOKS VERY MUCH LIKE THE FOREST WE LIVE IN (HAINAULT FOREST) IN ENGLAND AND HE'D LOVE TO GET LOST IN ITS WOODS.

WHEN ANTHONY IS NOT IN SCHOOL, HE SPENDS MOST OF HIS TIME DRAWING AND PLAYING WITH HIS LITTLE BROTHER.

FOR HIS FIRST THREE YEARS, ANTHONY WAS VERY RELUCTANT TO WRITE OR DRAW; HIS MOTHER HAD TO HOLD THE PEN WITH HIM TO ENCOURAGE HIM TO SCRIBBLE; NOW YOU CAN'T SEE HIM DOING ANYTHING ELSE BUT DRAWING & DOODLING.

WE HAVE A GROWING BODY OF INTERESTING ART FROM STUDENTS IN THE LONDON ART COLLEGES. THE KIDS DRAW A LOT OF INSPIRATION FROM THEM WHEN WE VISIT THEIR GRADUATION SHOWS AND LATER HANG SOME OF THE WORKS UP.

THE FOREST IN YOUR PIECE REMINDS ANTHONY OF HAINAULT FOREST COUNTRY PARK WHICH IS THE CLOSEST THING WE HAVE TO NATURE IN OUR AREA. WE FREQUENTLY VISIT IT IN THE SUMMER AS IT'S SOMEWHERE YOU CAN DROWN OUT ALL THE CONCRETE AND CARS FROM THE MIND, AND THE CHILDREN CAN PLAY. IRONICALLY, THE FOREST IS A PLACE WHERE THE KIDS LOSE THEMSELVES AS WELL AS FINDING THEIR TRUE SELVES.

BEST REGARDS
BENJAMIN & ANTHONY

I was moved by this story and we commenced a dialogue. I suggested a trade with Anthony, the nascent artist in the family, and it was agreed upon. I chose a beautiful little drawing which is being sent. I can't wait to receive it! I like the idea of exchanging work with other artists. Its something I try to do with all my artist friends, making us all collectors.