People of Diversity,
Speaking!
PODSartofautism@gmail.com
P.O.D.S. is Art of Autism’s ongoing photo and interview database showcasing the diversity of people who color the autism spectrum.
DIVERSITY:
1: the condition of having or being composed of differing elements: VARIETY; especially: the inclusion of different types of people (such as people of different races or cultures) in a group or organization
2: an instance of being composed of differing elements or qualities: an instance of being diverse
• a diversity of opinion
Interested in submitting? Just inquire at the email above. You’ll be asked to submit a photo, a link to your interests, artwork or blog (optional); and answer a few questions about what you are passionate about.
William Brewer is a 33 yr. old professional artist from Upper Darby and has his own art studio in Lansdowne. William was one year old when he was formally diagnosed as an “autisarian.” He has a unique vision to share with the world, and communicates through art. In September, 2012 he made his first pillow at an art program called “Oasis.” Since them, he is self-employed. His art makes him feel happy and stronger as he’s able to become independent through his work. William runs his online shop through Facebook. He sells hand-made clocks, paintings of creative & funny creatures, jewelry and textile goods. William is also an arts and crafts teacher throughout the West Philadelphia community. He has taught painting classes at the Fresh Food Festival in Fairmount Park, and he is a volunteer camp counselor at the Clayborn & Lewis Community Center. This summer he taught local children how to sew, draw and use American Sign Language as William is a well adjusted user.
Colour’s revelatory power; breathing vibrantly in my paintings that seek to facilitate transcendent experiences through rich and dreamy world-building. They disseminate my unique, hyperactive creativity using a variety of textures. My lived experience on the spectrum, ADHD, heightened sensitivity and synaesthesia that floods my senses, informs my art. A contemporary colourist painter, I create vibrant works to expand on language and explore the potential of how colour expresses the inexpressible. I’m distressed by sensory overload so I use art as a means of escape and journeying. I mind-wander into my artmaking. My paintings sing texture, as do my art words and sound/video art. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, described as a polymath, “Renaissance Woman”- I work across a multitude of mediums to disseminate powerful and timely truths telling of invisibility challenges and resilience from an unflinchingly feminine gaze. I use colour to invite audiences to look inward towards something beyond the surface, deep within my art and in doing so, audiences see within themselves. (I have performed at Hammersmith Lyric. Tate Modern, Battersea Arts Centre, The Yard theatre and Camden People’s Theatre.) I have exhibited at various galleries in London including Art Pavillion, Hoxton Arches and Kingsgate, the European Investment Bank in Luxembourg and Zhejiang University, West Branch China. I also write for Disability Arts Online. –Elionor Rowlands
www.elinorrowlands.com
William Barboza is 11 years old and loves painting with acrylics. He is currently learning to use watercolors. He’s excited to share his work with the Art of Autism.
Ishan Guha finds his expression through his art. He is a 10 year old verbal child, going to an inclusive school, whose paintings have been showcased at different art exhibitions since he was 6 years old. Some of the most important among those exhibitions were: ‘ Views from Planet Autism’ -2017, 2018 organized by ‘Action for Autism’ at India Habitat Center, New Delhi where one of his paintings was sold. In 2016 and 2018 his paintings we’re showcased at ‘Aushadharon’ 2016, 2018- art exhibitions for Autistic artistes organized by Autism Society West Bengal at coveted Victoria Memorial Hall and Gaganendra Pradarshanshala , where three of his paintings were sold. Ishan also loves to sing, and loves playing the Tabla. His interest lies in electrical circuits and he spends hours planning circuits of houses. The painting here is of Goddess Durga. Dr. Aditi Bandyopadhyay (Ishan’s mother)
My name is Devin S. Turk, and I am a 22-year-old autistic, transgender/nonbinary university student. My art mediums range from poetry writing and film photography to collage and acrylic painting. I have been drawn to creativity as a means of self-expression and communication my entire life. In addition to helping me connect with the world around and within me, making art is something that brings me great satisfaction in an otherwise chaotic world. When I’m not creating, I can often be found spending time with my beloved cat, Arthur.My art and poetry can be found on instagram @authentically.autistic and on my blog: https://authenticautistic.wordpress.com
My name is Tina Marie Nelmes. Being diagnosed later in life with Asperger syndrome and Epilepsy has made for a very interesting, and at times frustrating journey. Art has always been an outlet for me since I was young. Recently my art has taken a different turn; in that it’s much more whimsical, fun, and mostly therapeutic, opening another door to my imagination. My love and fascination with animals of all kinds is what inspires me and my work. Living in the country with my fur and feathered friends as well as my husband helps me keep calm; especially during times of stress. Nature, and being with my animals friends, is the best medicine with no side effects. My love and joy I feel inside is reflected in my art I love using bright colors and unique lines. I find my art expresses what’s in my head and in my heart. Having the ability to create something that makes another person smile and feel happy when they look at it, is wonderful. With the help of my husband we opened an Etsy shop where my art can be seen or purchased on various items.
Etsy shop link: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TinkedArtFarm
Aratrika is a charming girl of 11 years and 7 months. She is a regular school goer for the last 2 years. Prior she was with special school and inclusion too. Apart from regular studies she has a lot of interest in painting and dancing. She choreographs herself with HOOP. She has been awarded from Govt. of West Bengal for her work and achievements. Medium she enjoys: Plain paper and water/pastel colours. Other hobby: Dancing ….specially with a HOOP. Regards,Anirban Mukherjee (Father of Aratrika)
I am a Naif artist from South Florida. My art began at a very young age with the use of colored pencils; and has emerged into acrylics on canvas and watercolors on paper. I became a professional artist at age 18. My art is very lively with color and is often imaginary animals and places or inspirations. It can be described as fauvism – whimsical. My art is often a multitude of images and fragmented unfiltered thoughts trapped in my mind with no linear connection. I also like to enrich my vocabulary in other languages. I taught myself Spanish and I’ve invented several of my own languages. When I’m not painting, writing my next book, or writing lyrics for a new song, I am active as a volunteer and athlete with Special Olympics Florida Broward County, where I’ve received several gold, silver, and bronze medals in Alpine Skiing. –Brandon Drucker www.brandondruckerartist.com
Ally is a 15 yr. old high school student and budding artist . She’s always loved to draw and create since a very young age. Currently, her favorite medium is Sharpies or other markers and pens. Most of her work is very colorful. People have said that her artwork makes them feel happy! She’s very shy and quiet at school due to her autism, but drawing allows her to express herself in other ways. She loves Pokemon, video games, flowers, plants, her cats and might be inspired by what she hears and sees in her head, and in the beauty of nature around her! Ally’s artwork is available for purchase as prints, or products such as bags, phone cases, towels, pouches, mugs, blankets and much more!
https://society6.com/allyspray
http://ally-spray.fineartamerica.com
Are you interested in traveling around the world on a deep discount? Well, I figured out a creative way to travel to destinations with a simple plan. I’ve been traveling with my family, since I was a little kid, and felt it was an escape from reality. I use frequent flyer miles by using credit cards, eating out, and taking surveys. I pay everything possible including my support staff with a credit card so I can get those points. That’s a unique experience. I use airline miles because airfare at times can make or break the reason why I go to a particular place. The first time I used Frequent Flyer Miles was when I went to Rome and Munich in 2009. From the BMW Museum, Deutsches Museum, Vatican, and Coliseum, thousands of years of history were explored in two cities through my eyes. Other stories of my travels I hope to share with you include Hawaii, New York, Boston, Disneyworld, Chicago, Las Vegas, the Caribbean, Europe, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Israel, Australia, as well as many others. Having Aspergers, I am very independent and take care of myself by working (for over twelve years now), driving, and paying off my car lease, managing my money, and paying for all my own bills… early. I also currently work at Trader Joes while trying to figure out a career in entertainment and travel like Anthony Bourdain or Rick Steves, who wrote books and had shows on travel. I have some interesting blogs about some of my trips such as my most recent trip to Shanghai Disneyland where I explained why it’s different than Disneyland in California. I also make some videos of my travels such as the Las Vegas Strip. To see my blog and video, please check out stephengaibertheautistictraveler.blogspot.com/2018/10/shanghai-disneyland.html and www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAlyxFtXX4s– Stephen Gaiber
“For as long as I can remember, my greatest loves, which is when I am most at peace, are running, especially outdoors, helping others and just giving back to our world if even in the smallest of ways. It was during my service as a United States Peace Corps Volunteer in 2003 that I ‘fell’ into writing, a process that partially occurs during my run. My effort to bring more awareness to the needs of the developing country I served has progressed in ways I never dreamed, including two books, numerous articles and frequent speaking opportunities all of which allow me to help and connect with others in ways never deemed possible. Fueled by the courage I muster on my run, it is my honor and privilege to inspire, educate and entertain in the challenging world we live.” – Tracey Cohen Six-Word Lessons on Female Asperger Syndrome
“My name is Bonnie Lynn Appel and I’m from Baltimore, MD. I’m 35 years old. I was born on March 31st, 1983. I love the TV show Game Of Thrones. I also love creating art and world history in general. This is a drawing I created of Jon and Daenerys, 2 of my favorite characters from the show. My creative inspiration comes from a wide spectrum of interests. I’m a self-taught, multi-talented creative person. My mother and grandmother are responsible for bringing out my wide spectrum of creative abilities when I was very young. Over the years I’ve expanded them more and more. I have a Savant ability in regards to all things creative. My diverse creative abilities include drawing, painting, fashion design, making sculptures, sewing, jewelry making, poetry, singing, songwriting, music writing, playing instruments and other creative writing. My short story Jennifer, The Horse was published in Highlights magazine for children when I was 8 years old and my poem, The Wind was published in the Anthology Of Poetry Of Young Americans when I was 9 years old. Those are the 2 standouts of my wide variety of creative accomplishments. I’ve loved art ever since I was a little kid regardless of my traumatic childhood. In many ways my many traumatic experiences have made it even stronger. It all began when my mom first brought out my creativity at age 3 one day when I was having a meltdown. Creativity has been my best friend ever since. It’s gotten me through the good times, the bad times and the downright scary times. It’s my constructive way of coping in life. Without it I’d be lost and I never intend to change that. Art is very therapeutic. I’m living proof of that. When I’m creating I’m at my most content. When I’m creating I’m at my happiest.” – Bonnie Appel
“One of my first memories is preschool of myself crying. I feared I’d never learn to read and write, and I already craved so strongly to be able to express myself in a physical form. Back then, I’d even spend my play time trying to mimic writing I had seen elsewhere. Once in a while, my mother was surprised to find that I actually did write down real words. I’m guessing I had somehow memorized the patterns of the letters and words and they came out when I was scribbling. Once, I somehow ended up writing my name, even though I didn’t know how yet. That one really shocked my mother.
It took longer for me to discover the joy of drawing. For much of my childhood, I was given the impression I wasn’t any good at art. My elementary art teacher criticized me for not being as good as my sister at art. I was rebuked by that teacher because I had trouble drawing from pure imagination, and instead, needed something for reference to get me started. Because of that, the teacher accused me of being a “copycat.” I still loved creating things and made art projects in secret at home, but almost felt a sense of shame even trying because I was so convinced I was bad at it. It wasn’t until middle school that I had a good art teacher who encouraged me and showed me that I did have some artistic talent. Now, I regularly sell my art and have had it featured in books, art collections, and exhibitions around the world, including at least 8 other countries. I often wish I could find that mean elementary teacher and tell her how artistically successful I’ve become!” –Maranda Russell
https://marandarussell.com/
“I am a 75 year old woman who struggled for years to discover why I am so different from ‘normal’ people. It’s been an interesting journey. When I was young I read all the time, hoping that books would explain how to fit in. As I was reading mostly novels, I didn’t get a very realistic view of life which meant I acted overly dramatically. But that led to many years in the theater which was all to the good! In an earlier incarnation I was a writer – of plays and novels. Presently, I am involved in photography.” -Pamela UrferThe arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice, Martin Luther King, Jr.
Camden Walker (also known as Super Camden) is madly in love with blowing bubbles! The manner in which he enjoys blowing them is a work of art unto itself. He blows bubbles with a creative passion, out of anything he can create to blow them out of, and at any time he possibly can. Cam finds a way to blow them, catch them, and new ways to play with his beloved bubbles daily. Camden is a soon to be 10 year old (as of this writing) who has Autism, ADHD, and OCD who loves his family, going outdoors, and of course BUBBLES!!! Follow Super Camden on Instagram where he shares where he goes and himself joyously doing bubbles in different places. He can be followed on Instagram or Facebook @supercam-Camden Walker
My name is Masha Gregory. I am 28 years old and I have Autism. I don’t have a job in photography or drawing so I do it on the side. I started to draw at 4 years old. I am a photographer and I draw from my own photos. I have spent 24 years doing drawing. I also take photography pictures and have been doing it on my own for 15 years. Thank you, I enjoy Art of Autism’s website!
– Masha Gregory
“I go to another place in my brain when I create. I know the brain reaches a theta wave state during creative expression and I know art in all its forms is a meditation of sorts. But for me, it’s even more than that; it’s necessary, especially when I’ve had high periods of social interactions or extreme stress. My spouse was enduring a terminal illness that lasted several years and eventually ALS took his life. I couldn’t go to my creative place in my head by painting artworks during this timeframe, because I was consumed with his care. So I mimed instead, around my house and as I cared for him; and mime is also art; so this worked because I was often mute and mimes don’t speak!” – Kimberly Gerry TuckerVideo clips: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=kimberly+gerry+tucker
“I am a words person. I always have been. While other kids carried around toy trucks and Barbie dolls, I was never without a book. It was not until my autism diagnosis at age 36 that I realized that words were more special to me than most. It turns out I am, and always have been hyperlexic and hyperverbal. If I am not reading words, I am usually thinking them and speaking them. But my preference is to take this unusual strength I have with words, and create. Words are beautiful and when put together is just right the order, they make a beautiful symphony of experience. Words allow you to give substance to ideas, thoughts, dreams, and nightmares. It is when I am writing that my thoughts are most clear. It is when I am writing that I am the most me.” – Becca Lory, CAS BCCSwww.beccalory.com
“Art helps me to cope with everyday stress and to come out of the emotional pain of the past. I do painting, writing, poetry, stories, photography, plays and short movies. Here is a poem I wrote about dogs:They can hear my soul.
I can hear their soul.
I can be expressive in front of them without the fear of judgement. I can cry, I can laugh, I can smile, I can talk about my dreams, I can be silent… etc.
They won’t judge me. They have never judged me. They never bothered that I was a drug addict and an Aspie. They didn’t try to change me. They have never tried behaviour modification with me. They accept me as who I am and how I am. They love me unconditionally.
Dogs, I see God in them.”- Linish Balan
“My name is Leah Seim. I wrap myself up in every day to suit my mood. It’s tweaking a sugary, old homemade waffle recipe into a multi-grain, brain food masterpiece and sneaking the healthy stuff in before my kids wake up and notice. It’s the last video I take of my golden retriever rolling in the snow and acting silly, a few months prior to his life ebbing away. It’s finding the beauty in a tiny plant that struggles to emerge through the rain-soaked earth from the seed I planted last fall. It’s feeling God through the rustling of forested paths when I go for a walk and hearing His voice singing inside me, when the world is screeching distorted echoes in my face. It’s turning up the radio, so I can dance the pain of my life away for a few minutes. It’s finding the right moment to tease and encourage my friends. It’s quieting my mind, so I can write my innermost feelings without letting my thoughts and defenses get in the way. It’s creating five amazing beings of light and beauty that are filled with such wonder and curiosity, it inspires me to be a better Mom and want to make the world a safe place for them. It’s being vulnerable enough to share my hopes, dreams and disappointments with my husband. It’s the fundamental knowledge deep inside of me, that I am just as smart as the next person, even if my brain does occasionally scramble information. It’s feeling a fierce joy as I fight to let everyone know that neuro-divergent people are as human and worthy of dignity as everyone else.” –Leah Seim 
“My full name is Elizabeth though I go mostly by Libby. I started painting around 2014; while in rehab. I’d fallen and dislocated my ankle, breaking it 3 different ways. My pain both emotional and physical made me realize I needed an outlet for it all while on the road to healing. I was wheel chair bound 3 months. At first I just dibbed and dabbed with acrylic paints really not believing I would ever be able to paint. A very nice lady that worked in the recreation department where I rehabbed got me started and just kept encouraging me to find my way to paint. I still have not taken any lessons. I paint everyday just for fun.” – Elizabeth (Libby) Berti 
“I’m 5 years old, I love learning all by myself. I’ve been reading and writing since I was 2! I enjoy writing in different languages, drawing maps of the US and the world, drawing the solar systems with planets, orbits, and dwarf planets, doing math, music and typing questions on YouTube on mom’s computer. I giggle and jump when learning new things, because it’s so exciting! Right now my favorite things to do are making up crosswords to quiz my mom, and playing piano. I hear every day sounds and figure out the notes immediately. I write them down and combine them in different melodies. I like the sounds of the beeps of elevators, microwaves and car horns, and all the iPhone ringtones! I have my own system with notes, that I made up all by myself, using positive and negative numbers. My keyboard goes from -23 to +29 and skips zero, because I thought that would be funny. All the black keys are the next half decimal from the white ones. I love “making zero” by combining different note numbers together, like +3.5 and -3.5! My mom always tells me I’m awesome, and to keep doing what I love!” – Lamis Jabri
“My interest in art began at an early age. Perhaps because of my autism, I was drawn to the colors and textures of Impressionist artworks, especially those of Vincent Van Gogh. I have travelled to Amsterdam to absorb his art and the environments where he painted. I studied art and received my Associate in Fine Arts degee from Montgomery County Community College (“Montco”) in Blue Bell, PA. I also have presented my artworks in a number of shows at Montco, including receiving the “1st Place Blue Ribbon” of recognition.” Please visit my website here: www.cassidotiartworks. “One huge influence on my art is Japanese animation. I love experiencing something unique to a culture (besides my own) that has inspired many works of art- of all varieties worldwide. My interest an anime has improved my ability to interact with people. Whenever I’m around people close to my age, I wear a shirt with one (or several) of my favorite characters. This provides an instant connection if there are people with similar interests. My art has improved my fine motor skills. I used to struggle with many everyday tasks because of this, but learning to draw has really helped. Most importantly, art has given me a way to express things that are hard for me to express otherwise. I have so many ideas I want to share, and art has given me a way to express myself when words fail.” -Katie Adams “From my earliest memories I have always had 2 main interests…animals and art…so as long as I can remember I spent the majority of my time drawing animals and watching nature shows involving wildlife. I spent hours and hours alone drawing, coloring, pen and ink, and painting. I also love to hike and photography nature and wildlife and use those images as inspiration in my artwork as well.” – Nick Gustafson 
Greetings beautiful people… I found the Art of Autism site…shuuuuweeee! I’m hoping and praying for an outlet for my self expressive art. I also seek advocacy and comradery. Sincerely, Jacqueline Zahnow 
Since childhood, Charles has had extraordinary passion for images, shapes and colors. Very early,
he began to cut out photos of animals, insects, plants, vehicles, found in books. He builds phenomenal
collages, which he crumples in up and throws away. He finds images today that he prints out from the
web. When Charles discovered contemporary art in 2017, this triggered an irrepressible desire to paint:
he paints with a craze that never leaves him. Choosing his subject twenty-four hours before painting,
he will announce his plans: “Tomorrow, I will paint houses,” but gives no further explanation and no
longer mentions it. He installs his equipment horizontally, on a kitchen table, on a work surface, or on
the floor; then, free from any artistic culture, he invents his own line, his way of painting, his spontan-
eity with the brush, animated solely by the pleasure of making the object appear, its colors pure and
frank, on the white surface that he particularly likes. Often, the objects he paints (the raw form of which
he draws from himself, from his memory, his own impulses, and not from a model) are made in pairs of
different colors. – Charles Mercuriali. More about Charles M at the following link: https://charlesmercuriali.wixsite.com/charlesm/the-early-years
“I love playing music. When I have my electric guitar in hand and play the blues, I get in the zone and find catharsis from my worries. I’m an introvert by nature, but I feed off of the energy of collaborating with a great blues band and the energy a crowd gives back to me as I bend the notes and bare my soul and lose myself in a moment. I also love writing my own songs and developing and designing websites and creating abstract art and taking photographs in nature – all great outlets to help me express my feelings and heal myself from anything that went wrong in my past and begin to find myself moving forward in life by losing myself in the moment, to build self-confidence and self-worth, to connect to the world, and to be as productive in society as I can. I find that moving forward can be scary sometimes, but when I lose myself in a creative moment, I feel whole. Through connection to and support from a wonderful group of mentors, I’ve found myself growing as a person and as an artist. I am currently in the process of creating an original album of jazz and blues music and telling my story through a documentary film, and I hope to reach and inspire anyone I can. I’ve reached a point in my life where I’m better accepting the bad with the good and doing my best to focus on the good, and I want to try to help people do the same and be their own person in their own moments. We all deserve bliss, even when it feels like it eludes us. The arts have allowed me to healthily express and release a good deal of my sadness and anger and anxiety to begin to feel alive.” -Morgan Giosa www.morgangiosa.com