In my art, cool shit happens out of the blues and greens and reds and blacks as I apply them to paper. Space fills with serendipitous context; “Mistakes” become points of interest.

In my opinion, it is through our own strengths, traits, and inner perceptions (rather than outward expressions), transferred to less-than normal outward expressions, that make us unique, talented, and ready to explore unusual ways to fit into the world through creativity. I know there is some kind of Artistic-Autistic connection that nurtures my abilities. What happens when we create (art) is a byproduct of the human mind regathering expressions of a visual life. As a group with Asperger’s, we have a lot to offer society considering our value as often highly intelligent, broad-visioned human beings, who can also embrace both detailed acuity and abstract thought.  Wylie (2014) wrote that people with Asperger’s have a “fascinating cognitive style.” Though I am not very religious, I sometimes feel that my own struggle is akin to a Monument, or gift that was given to me by God that is unique to me somehow. It is so special that it brings certain challenges and struggles that God has bequeathed only to me for whatever purpose He has in mind. In thinking of my Asperger’s in this way, I feel better about the uniqueness it is has bestowed upon me, and how special I truly am, so I now embrace it. In addition, it was very important to have those diagnoses I referenced earlier so that I could rethink my mind. Not knowing why I was doing what I was doing and feeling what I was feeling was painful. The ensuing journey (drug/cognitive therapies, clinical trials, despair, etc.) was not easy either, but it at least led to where I am now.