5 People with Autism Who let Their Artwork do the Talking
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Art is an excellent way for many people to express themselves in ways that words often can’t. That can be especially helpful for those who are non verbal or just don't love talking in public.
This post takes a look at how these 5 artists who are on the autism spectrum impact their communities with a universal language, art. Artwork is an excellent way for everyone to relate to their larger communities.
Bryn Graves
Bryn Graves is a photographer from Britain known for his photography that tends to focus on people. Bryn has done several interviews where he details his experience with autism how that informs his art. He’s said that he “sees things differently.” Graves continued on to say, “Being autistic gives me a unique perspective on the world through patterns, light, shade, repetition, and order.” He went on to say, “Autism enables me to create unique images that are moody, striking, and have a distinctive, unique style about them.”
Stephen Wiltshire
Stephen was born in 1974 in London. For most of his childhood, he did not speak; he was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. He didn’t speak until the age of 9; his first word was “paper,” which was uttered after his art supplies were taken from him. It quickly became apparent that Stephen possessed a unique artistic mind. He became known for his ability to draw a landscape from memory after seeing it just a single time.
Maria Iliou
Maria Iliou is a life-long resident of New York, living on Long Island. She is an artist and poet is on the autism spectrum. Maria has dedicated her life to becoming an advocate for the rights of people with autism. She started her own group for those with autism known as Athena Autistic Artist. Over the years, she has also won many awards for her poetry and art. If you’re on Long Island, there is a chance that you may have even seen one of her paintings hanging up in a library or a bank.
Jon Adams
Adams has claimed that repetitive behavior and obsessions in those with autism are purposeful and allow them to think differently. Jon has been diagnosed with both Asperger’s syndrome and dyslexia. He uses those disabilities and his knowledge of geology to inform his incredible artwork.
Rebecca Burgess
Rebecca is a comic artist who uses her skill to help educate the general public about what it is like to live on the spectrum. She draws a character named Archie, who is on the spectrum. Archie has set out to help people on the spectrum to feel more confident as well as help others relate to those with autism.