Art for me has always been a form of self-expression. I believe that it is a global language which has the potential to transcend social difference, and for that reason that it is a crucially important factor in challenging misconceptions in the fight for a better society. My art has always been personal, and I have found throughout my degree that I am extremely passionate about using my own experiences to inspire work which raises awareness of the issues which are important to me; specifically surrounding mental illness and disability. This took on a new meaning following my autism diagnosis in March 2020, and I realised the potential that I have as an Outsider Artist to use my art to create a better future for the Outsiders of tomorrow. Look At Me is a multimedia textile piece which explores my journey of self-discovery following my diagnosis. Inspired by my own experiences, the project aims to give an authentic insight into the realities of living with disability, whilst challenging the misconception of it being seen as a negative attribute within a wider society. The piece consists of eight jigsaw-like pieces, each representing a different aspect of autism, and references the historical understanding of those with autism ‘having a piece missing’, creating juxtaposition between perceptions of disability and the realities of it. Look At Me is a testament to the people who have helped me to become the artist I am today, and ultimately to accepting myself for who I truly am.
I fi, mae celf bob amser wedi bod yn ffordd o hunan-fynegi. Rwy’n credu bod celf yn iaith fyd-eang sydd â’r potensial i fynd y tu hwnt i wahaniaethau cymdeithasol, ac am y rheswm hwnnw ei fod yn ffactor hollbwysig wrth herio camsyniadau yn y frwydr dros gymdeithas well. Mae fy ngwaith celf bob amser wedi bod yn bersonol, a thrwy fy ngradd rydw i wedi darganfod fy mod i’n hynod angerddol dros ddefnyddio fy mhrofiadau fy hunan i ysbrydoli gwaith sy’n codi ymwybyddiaeth o’r materion sy’n bwysig i fi; iechyd meddwl ac anabledd yn benodol. Daeth ystyr newydd i hyn ar ôl cael diagnosis o awtistiaeth ym mis Mawrth 2020, a sylweddolais y potensial sydd gen i fel Artist Allanol i ddefnyddio fy nghelf i greu dyfodol gwell i Artistiaid Allanol y dyfodol. Darn tecstilau amlgyfrwng yw Look At Me sy’n archwilio fy nhaith o hunan-ddarganfod ar ôl cael y diagnosis. Nod y prosiect, a ysbrydolwyd gan fy mhrofiadau personol, yw rhoi mewnwelediad dilys i’r realiti o fyw gydag anabledd, gan herio’r camsyniad yn y gymdeithas ehangach fod anabledd yn nodwedd negyddol. Mae’r gwaith yn cynnwys wyth darn tebyg i jig-so gyda phob un yn cynrychioli agwedd wahanol ar awtistiaeth, ac mae’n cyfeirio at y ddealltwriaeth hanesyddol fod gan bobl sydd ag awtistiaeth ‘ddarn ar goll’, gan greu cyfosodiad rhwng canfyddiadau a realiti anabledd. Mae Look At Me yn destament i’r bobl sydd wedi fy helpu i ddatblygu i fod yr artist ydw i heddiw, ac yn y pen draw, i dderbyn fy hunan am bwy ydw i go iawn.
