Autism Within Society, 2017
This work is focused on educating the minds of people who refuse to think about the impacts autism may have on an individual within the spectrum. Too many people use ‘autistic’ as a word of ridicule, as if it were to be describing a person of lesser intelligence. The ninety bronze sculptures presented represent society as it should be judged. There are several figures which represent individuals on the autistic spectrum, who are displayed within groups of other figures representing the rest of society. People should not be judged as different from everyone else based on their disabilities. Therefore, it is impossible to tell which figures are the autistic ones. Upon first encounters, everyone should be judged as equals.
By using the medium of metal sculpture, I explore the different ways that individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder may interact with the world. My aim in doing this is to gain a deeper understanding of the disorder and to raise awareness for it. I currently create metallic sculptures which represent the strong sense of independence many people with disabilities strive for, such as an individual in a wheelchair who refuses to be pushed by someone else. This is present in the seemingly unbreakable structure of most metals. I find inspiration from artists who deal with their disabilities in creative ways, such as Shinichi Sawada and Stephen Wiltshire, as well as people in my life who deal with Autism, such as my brother.
