His double-handed artistic feats have piqued the interest of collectors

Ambidextrous artist helps Detroit nonprofit

Creating works by drawing with both hands simultaneously

Colin Darke of Detroit, Michigan, possesses a talent that comes naturally to only 1% of people. He creates artwork using both hands at the same time, and, get this — each hand can draw a different image, simultaneously. His double-handed artistic feats have piqued the interest of collectors worldwide.

The ambidextrous lawyer and artist can illustrate two halves of a portrait or design simultaneously, his right and left hands working independently throughout the remarkable process. Even more impressive is the fact that he is not always mirroring himself, meaning his right and left hands are doing different actions at the same time! To highlight this talent, Colin uses different colored ink or paint for each hand.

After 40 years of drawing and creating, Colin still finds unique ways to express his talents. He was inspired by a motivational speaker to start posting videos of his art on social media and, to no surprise, his following and fanbase grew at a rapid pace. He uploads original drawings and paintings of famous favorites like Tom Holland, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Britney Spears.

In his spare time, he is an artist who has been using his unusual skills to help raise funds for Arts & Scraps in Detroit.

“Colin started with us as a volunteer and he has moved from there to trying to help support us financially,” explained Arts & Scraps Executive Director Ang Adamiak. “He uses his skill at being able to draw with both hands to gain a social media following, and he is using that power to raise money for Arts & Scraps.”

“I’ve been able to draw and write with both hands since forever,” Darke said. “A few years ago, my mom and wife were in the kitchen and my son could also use both hands, and I mentioned I could draw and write with both hands when they were talking about it. I didn’t realize how rare that was. So, I started putting up videos on TikTok and Instagram of drawing and writing simultaneously. A few of the videos went viral.”

He and his family had been volunteering at Arts & Scraps, which collects, sells, and gives away recycled materials for use in art projects around the metro Detroit area.

“We utilize recycled materials to empower community members and teach STEM to students in Detroit and metro Detroit,” said Adamiak. “We have a community store on Detroit’s east side where people can shop for recycled materials, whether they are artists, teachers, or families. We also have educational programs out in the community.”

Ambidextrous artist wows TikTok with his unique skill l GMA

He said he was drawn to Arts & Scraps not only for their creative uses of materials in art but for their mission in making art accessible to everyone.

“In terms of using recycled materials and making sure things don’t go to waste, I think they’re very creative and it’s a good message,” Darke said. “They also work with a lot of poor, inner-city kids, and that has always been a focus of mine. They add art to a lot of STEM themes. I love how art teachers can go there and receive inexpensive art materials for their students to use. My wife and I love to support the arts, and I think art education is often seen as a soft, not-that-serious class, but I think it taught me a lot of problem-solving skills to succeed.”

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