Since finding out I am AuDHD a couple of years ago I have come to realise how being neurodivergent is a big part of my creativity.

It all comes down to stimming.

Early on in my journey I thought stimming was always a very obvious physical manifestation. When my son flaps his hands and stamps his feet in enjoyment. Or the way he loves to touch hair and other interesting textures.

In me it manifests in more subtle ways.I will often rub the rough skin next to my nails. I don’t know I’m doing it most of the time.

I eat salt and vinegar crisps every single day, for that sharp tang that wakes up my tastebuds. I like other strong flavours like licorice and marmite too. I love dandelion and burdock and ginger beer and spicy food. 

As an artist I am drawn to contrast. I visually stim on images of deep sea creatures. The juxtaposition of their luminosity against the dark water draws me in every time.

The iridescence on a beetle is endlessly fascinating.

The chromatophores that make my chameleons skin change colour to create dazzling displays, I could never get bored of any of these things.

My chameleon is endlessly captivating to me. 

I am always looking to capture that feeling in my art. I want to bottle it and send my own version out in to the world. These creatures are just stunning as they are. I have to work a lot harder!

Many hours of research, sketching and painting go into translating that feeling.

Always chasing the colours that make me feel something.

This dopamine chasing life has me dye my hair 2 or 3 colours at once, wear colour shifting eyeshadow and paint my nails with magnetised polish that shines like a tigers eye gem.

It’s why I love dragons breath and saphiret glass and alexandrite gems that change from green to purple. (Also, grurple when the light confuses it)

It means I am always searching for the next brightest paints.

Which explains why my work is often mixed media. I need to use all the best colours I can find, and they aren’t restricted to one brand or medium!

Whether you’re neurodivergent or not, I thought you might like to know how and why my creatures are born. And to appreciate the universe full of wonder that lives inside my mind.

I paint as a way to channel this technicolour chaos. It’s what goes into my art.

Disclaimer - Eating salt and vinegar crisps and liking weird animals doesn't make you neurodivergent. If you suspect you might have ADHD or be Autistic you can check out some resources below. 

https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-in-women-misunderstood-symptoms-treatment/

https://www.authenticallyemily.uk/

https://theautisticwoman.co.uk/