An artist in Yellowknife is using his creative skills to break down barriers for individuals with lived experiences to engage in discussions and research on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Wilfred Joey Klein, who was diagnosed with FASD four years ago, is collaborating with the Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network (CanFASD) to raise funds by selling his artwork.
Klein, a painter for over two decades, focuses on portraying the beauty of the northern lights. He primarily works with oils, a medium suggested by his wife, which he finds ideal for his intricate style involving multiple layers to distinguish the lights and foreground.
Inspired by his experience at a CanFASD conference in Toronto last year, Klein created a painting titled “The Reflection of Acceptance.” He is selling signed prints of this piece and donating all proceeds to CanFASD’s “lived experience leadership fund,” which aims to support individuals with FASD, their families, or caregivers in contributing to research, conferences, and policy shaping.
“The Reflection of Acceptance” features a figure holding red shoes on a rocky path, facing a group of people under vibrant northern lights. Klein incorporated elements from the conference attendees and his personal emotions into the painting, alongside his signature landscape style. The red shoes symbolize FASD awareness, while the distant interactions in the artwork reflect specific conference moments.
Klein explained that the rocks in the painting symbolize transitions from frustration to accomplishment and vice versa, representing the effort required to make positive changes. He identified with the figure carrying the red shoes, symbolizing his journey towards impactful individuals in the FASD community.
Diagnosed in 2022 after relocating to Yellowknife, Klein initially struggled to access resources and support. He emphasized that the figure in his painting represents anyone seeking assistance in navigating FASD challenges.
CanFASD’s lived experience leadership fund, initiated in 2024, has already aided six individuals in participating in various activities, including presenting at an international FASD conference. Audrey McFarlane from CanFASD stressed the importance of incorporating lived experiences in research projects and utilizing the insights gained effectively.