Autism Unveiled Week 4
I forced myself to be social by going on a 6-year journey which was completely based on whose couch am I staying on next.
Words that describe me:
Ori Bengal is an explorer and a creator… He’s a bit of a cartoon character – lacking a filter, and often doing the outrageous, though, he’s just following his passions, and entertaining himself (and others while he’s at it). Ori is originally from Israel, learned to speak English by watching cartoons, brought up on sci-fi instead of bedtime stories, and has a love for technology.
He was a photographer, web designer, video editor, internet marketer, ran a print shop, and went (voluntarily) homeless for 6 years as he traveled around completely based on whose couch he was crashing on next (which included UFC cage fighters, the CEO of Zappos.com, best-selling authors, roller derby players, and everyone in between). On his journeys he got taken to some art galleries in Maui, and he got addicted. Since then he’s been creating art every single day (recently he’s passed 1,000 consecutive days- and even put out a book, which went to #1 on its first day From Stick Figures to Picasso) – and continues to do that daily- continuing in his journey of learning, exploring, and following his passions. Ori now strives daily to be the best artist he can, and inspire others to follow their passions.
How is Aspergers part of me?
I am rare in that I have extrovert tendencies – and have learned coping skills to connect with people (joke telling, story telling, body language reading ). Other than challenges with forming bonds, I also had to deal with being a stranger in a strange land, when I came to the USA on my 9th birthday (originally from Israel), and did not know the language or culture. But… after college (dropped out of 2), I accepted myself.
I was always good at learning, since I’d rather spend my time creating something, or learning how to than spending time with people. The ability to get lost in what I’m doing as compared to spending time with people has allowed me to become a great artist – I’ve been doing a work of art every single day for over 1,000 days now, and refuse to miss a day no matter what.
Once I discovered audio books, I became addicted to learning (previous to that, I was addicted only to learning about my field of work) everything…. Tons of it was about learning about people (with books like Win Friends and Influence People)… I forced myself to be social by going on a 6-year journey which was completely based on whose couch am I staying on next. I stayed with hundreds of different people all over the USA, and got to discover what life is about, what makes people tick, and who I am. Me being so different no longer made me an outsider, but rather a fascinating individual that people wanted to get to know, and try to understand (good luck with that last part).
So… I’m here to hopefully inspire others that feel different to learn what makes people tick, and to be proud of who you are…. And to inspire those who aren’t on the spectrum to realize that some of the most fascinating individuals they’ll ever meet ARE on the spectrum… you just gotta take the time to say hello, and get to know them.
This was a Kickstarter campaign I did and tells about my life:
Ori Bengal, Georgia
Links:
See my daily art, and be a patron of my art.
Get my book From Stick Figures to Picasso – It tells the journey of the first 1,000 days of creating daily art, the life lessons learned, while sharing some personal life lessons and much of my art. It’s on Kindle, which means you can see if on any tablet / phone / computer whether you own a Kindle or not.
My website Make sure to go sign up for my updates.
My Facebook fan page, go like it.
My Facebook profile – follow it… I’m funny, and post lots of art.
Year 1 of my daily life (Facebook album)
Year 2 of my daily life (Facebook album)
Year 3 of my daily life (Facebook album)
Ori is part of the Autism Unveiled Project – 6 weeks of posts from people on the autism spectrum commencing on April 2, 2015, World Autism Awareness Day.
Hi Ori! I am mesmerized by your art – the colors are so vibrant and beautiful! I have a lot of respect for you for creating a work every day. That is true dedication! I also wish I could be a little more like you. The fact that you decided to travel and stay with different people sounds so exciting and life changing, and I wish I were brave enough to do something like that in my life. You are so inspiring, and I can’t wait to see more of your artwork! Thank you for sharing!
Hi Ori — What beautiful art. I am interested in hearing more about how you adjusted to living in the United States, and how you learned English. What skills did you pick up as a result of that transition?
Ori, you are an inspiration to all people, autistic or not. I love your art and the spirit that moves you to live you life with such courage. I can’t wait to show your work to my daughter who is on the spectrum. I just know she will be inspired. What words of wisdom might you give her? She struggles with being different and often laments about being like “normal” kids.
Jane