Tim and Alex, the drawing littles

This article provides an extended background on the collaborative work of Tim,  Alex and  Jimmy.

Dissociative identity disorder (DID)

Sometimes, due to special circumstances,  two or more parts are available or emerged automatically to form the identity of one person. In that case a dissociative identity might occur: these different parts of the identity might change and influence identity presentation in various facets of life. These identities (or: alters) co-exist at the same time, but are generally invisible to the public. Some of these identity parts are in ages 0-13 years old and are called child alters or littles. 

Child alters?

In almost every dissociative  identity, child alters occur in various ages  (or also in various genders) and can play very  important, different roles. These parts are 'stuck' in childhood and experience the world exactly as all children in childhood, however being  grown into an adult body. 

While child alters- not to be confused with "the child within" or 'a childish state of the mind' -  are usually invisible, Tim and Alex however are tangible and visible, which is a unique way to present a multifaceted iand dissociative dentity.  Tim and Alex differ significantly in their interests, behaviors, and attitudes from Jimmy and each other. Yet, their lives hold the same validity as Jimmy's, as there is no 'more me' or 'less me'. Let's look at their lives related to creativity.

Drawing, the mixed kids art

Tim first appeared in 2016, he is most often a three-year-old boy. In 2017, Alex joined as both a three-year-old and a seven or eight-year-old boy, sharing in his friendship. It was not until 2021 that their creativity became evident. Their drawings consist of outlines in oil pastels (permanent wasco for children) of objects and subjects from their environment, including their toys, picture books, and videos they watch.

The process of drawing

For many months in 2021, Jimmy simply stored Tim and Alex's drawings in a folder. Then, one day, he began to complete them. Learning to finish the drawings of his co-identities was a process that took several months.

Once Tim and Alex drawings now are complete, Jimmy employs mixed media techniques to finish them. His main media are watercolor, oil pastels, soft pastels, ink, gouache paint and inkpen.

Their  collaborative drawings evolve throughout the process, with both Tim and Alex, as well as Jimmy, contributing. The decision on the subject is always made by Tim and Alex, yet the outcome remains unknown. 

The final pieces are not solely the result of a child's or an adult's efforts; they represent a distinctive collaboration between different identities, from separate ages,  culminating in the signature artwork of Tim and Alex.

On average, we create around 10 - 20 pieces a year in collaboration, but both Tim and Alex make more drawings during the year, which are unfinished.  Since 2021, we created  approximately  50  works together. 

Tim and Alex in the Public area

Tim and Alex, along with several other cĥild  alters of various ages, live as co- identities and child alters in Jimmy's life and  they are rarely seen in public. Nevertheless, Tim and Alex made a first public appearance during the All-in event at the Bonnefantenmuseum in Maastricht in December 2022, where they were live on stage, drawing from their imagination (Alex on the left, Tim on the right). 

Future of their work

The drawings of Tim and Alex evolved a little bit during time.  Do they continue making their special drawings? Absolutely! They recently asked me to make drawings in gouache paint, but I will wait till they grow somewhat older, so that they don't paint themselves! Before that, they can draw with panpastels with real brushes and have fun!

Tim and Alex in Jimmy's work

During the time,  Tim and Alex have been drawn and painted many times by Jimmy. Here are some examples of pointilism style work where they are featuring. 

Work based upon Tim

As a model, they also appear in various works to depict their personal narratve.

We will write more about them in the future!