Zoom Autism Magazine Issue 3 Spring 2015 | Page 44

“My art becomes my voice when my
actual voice is no longer enough.”
to make me FEEL that I wasn't. Jennifer was that
person. In her I found a friend, a confidante and a
magic mirror. I've always wanted a magic mirror.

Anne-Louise’s artistic versatility is amazing!

From all my difficulties and achievements, I have
grown into myself. I've developed beyond my
dreams. I've found that I can be bold and brave.
I can be witty and wry. I can be determined and
daring. And I can also be vulnerable, timid …
afraid. And I discovered that there is no shame in
that. I discovered that I am human, intensely and
unquestionably so, and that is a truly wonderful
thing to be.
What is even more wonderful is that I found
pride in myself, in being an Aspie and in being
an artist. I am me. No one can ever truly stop you
from being intrinsically and perfectly you. Your
life is a canvas – a beautiful, blank canvas waiting
to be filled with your own colors. Paint however
you want to paint. Whatever you do, don't you
dare let anyone paint it for you. I am confident
that you will be able to create the most wonderful
masterpiece by yourself. Come and join me. I'm
still painting mine.

44

Zoom Autism Through Many Lenses

Anne-Louise Richards is a 19-year-old artist
and generally creative sort with Asperger’s
living in Dorset, England. She is self-taught
and has recently illustrated Sisterhood of the
Spectrum, written by Jennifer O’Toole. She
sells her art on her Facebook and Etsy pages
and is open to commission.