‘As far as art is concerned, there are no physical limitations.’ - Interview with Łukasz Siatkowski (1/3) -
Mon, 25/03/2013
26-year-old Łukasz Siatkowski is a graphic designer, musician, poet and philosopher. In his blog, he presents himself as following:
“Hello. My name is Łukasz Siatkowski. I was born in Lublin (Poland) on October 26, 1986. I have cerebral palsy and I move using a wheelchair. In my daily activities I depend on the help of other people, since my hands are very weak. I studied Cultural Studies from 2006 to 2009 at John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, and finished with a Bachelor’s degree. Since 2010, I’ve been pursuing a Master’s Degree in Theology at the same university. I dedicate my time to learning and to my great passion - art.”
Modest, introverted by nature, extroverted by choice. The young man who breaks all possible stereotypes about people with disabilities, as his friend and fellow student Przemek S. Staroń says about him. incluD-ed invited Lukasz to speak about his education, his art and his music.
Education – Łukasz the student
incluD-ed: What was your experience like in school?
Łukasz Siatkowski: My experiences were really very diverse - they depended on how open others were towards people moving on wheelchairs. We might say that my generation is the first one after the socio-political changes in 1989 that has to stand up and tell people: “Hey! We are here too, and we have needs”.
incluD-ed: When and why did you decide to pursue Cultural Studies and later Theology?
Łukasz Siatkowski: I have always been fascinated by culture. I wanted to find out how it developed, starting with ancient times or even earlier, from the first cultural traces at Lascaux cave, to fully understand that human strength is not manifested through the domestication of a hen or a dog, but through creativity. After finishing with Cultural Studies, the time has come for me to explore the depth of human spirit. As Mircea Eliade said, human is homo religious, and you cannot understand something or someone on a higher level without references. Following Pascal’s logic, although that thing or person might not exist, it is better to assume they do.
incluD-ed: At your university are there special facilities to help people with disabilities (building, access, classes, exams…)?
Łukasz Siatkowski: The Catholic University of Lublin, where I study, has always emphasised the notion of integrity, and the mobility of people with different types of disabilities, which they demonstrate through different conveniences like access ramps and elevators in the building. However, the true indication of integration comes through the mentality reflected in an action-reaction basis, and putting an end to the division of WE and YOU.
incluD-ed: How do you get along with your fellow students? How did they react to you in the beginning?
Łukasz Siatkowski: Honestly speaking, until high school I was quite separated from the outside world because of my emotional state. I had to grow up spending entire days surrounded by strangers. Then, like magic, it turned out that some people see a wheelchair as an opportunity for a fantastic and creative journey, which can be anything from a discussion on Thomas Aquinas to drinking beer in pub. The integration process happened really naturally during this time - nothing is impossible with an open mind.
incluD-ed: Your parents seem to have really supported you in education and creativity/music matters since you were young. Is this right?
Łukasz Siatkowski: Since my childhood, my parents knew they had to do everything in their power to change an inevitable and fatal destiny into the surprising flow of awesomeness that I represent. They accomplished their goal, and now I must continue this legacy. This is the best thing in the world that a disabled child can get - support.
