My mission as an artist is to use my work as a journey of discovery and connection, embracing my uniqueness as a neurodivergent individual and inviting others to see the world through fresh, imaginative perspectives. It’s a realm where I communicate resilience and the nuances of my experiences that words often fail to capture. Each artwork becomes a chapter of my life, unveiling struggles, growth, and the sheer joy of exploration in mediums that continuously evolve. As Dewey (1934) suggested, art is an experience—a lived and felt encounter that transforms both creator and viewer.
The colors in my art are more than just visual elements; they narrate the emotions and transitions of my personal story. They adapt and shift, reflecting the core of what I am feeling and thinking as I create. The textures are vivid—crafted from bold, deliberate strokes that may wear down brushes but build up my narrative. These textures become the emotions I’ve felt, deeply etched into the canvas of my work. Eisner (2002) highlights how the arts engage multiple senses and foster a profound understanding of self and the world, a concept that resonates strongly with my creative process.
I delight in making art that doesn’t just sit passively but invites interaction. Sometimes, this means incorporating tools like blacklight flashlights that reveal hidden layers, mirroring how perspectives can change when seen from different angles. My aim is for each piece to captivate visually while also engaging minds, encouraging viewers to delve deeper and see beyond the surface. This aligns with Kenneth Martin’s (1988) insight that “Works of art are made of feeling, concept, and material,” a philosophy that guides my practice.
To me, being an artist is about forging connections—linking the intimate revelations of my life to the broader human experience. It’s about transforming personal discoveries into universal stories that invite others to reflect, explore, and feel. Art is not just what I create; it’s how I live and how I connect with the world. By sharing my journey through art, I hope to inspire others to find beauty in their own paths and to experience the world from fresh, imaginative perspectives.
References
Martin, K. (1988). Structures and Transformations: Art and Concept. London: Tate Publishing
Dewey, J. (1934). Art as Experience. New York: Minton, Balch & Company.
Eisner, E. W. (2002). The Arts and the Creation of Mind. New Haven: Yale University Press.