Birth of the Spectrum Artistic Style
Interview with the Artist
Can you tell us about your artistic journey and how it began?
I always had these ideas in my mind, but it took years of exploration to bring them to life. My journey started with painting, where I experimented with colors and forms. Eventually, I shifted to hyper realistic portraits with graphite, striving to master a medium that could truly reflect my personality. Yet, something was still missing – a sense of authenticity that felt entirely my own.
Was there a specific moment or influence that led you to discover your unique style?
Yes, it was my son Gabriel, who is also on the Autism Spectrum. When he was 3 years old, drawings began appearing all over our house. Most of them depicted desperate, angry or mad faces. One drawing, in particular, stood out. It was hidden behind our couch – a piece filled with deconstructed faces that reminded me of Picasso’s Guernica. Its raw, unfiltered expression captivated me.
How did Gabriel’s drawings impact your own artistic development?
Reproducing Gabriel’s art proved to be the hardest artistic challenge I had ever faced. Hyperrealism, for all its technical mastery, felt like mechanical reproduction by comparison. Gabriel’s drawings, on the other hand, were brimming with emotion and meaning. They forced me to rethink what art could be and what it could say. While technique remains an essential part of my process, I realized that the story and style behind a piece are what truly make it unique.
Can you tell us about your first piece in this new style?
My drawing The Moment holds a special place in my heart because it was the first piece I created in this new style. Gabriel’s faces served as guide and inspiration, helping me discover the direction I wanted to take. That’s how The Moment was born.
You’ve named your style Spectrum, what inspired that name?
I chose the name Spectrum as a tribute to the shared experience my son and I have as individuals on the Autism Spectrum. I believe our neurodivergence offers us a unique lens through which to view the world – one that translates powerfully into art. The drawings I create within this style are deeply personal, reflecting not only my perspective but also the influence of Gabriel’s unfiltered creativity.
What was the experience of creating The Moment like for you?
When I was working on The Moment, I entered a state of flow unlike anything I’d ever experienced. It felt as though my hand was moving on its own, guided by something beyond my conscious mind. This trance-like experience was the confirmation I needed that I had found the right path. It was more than just technique; it was intuition, emotion, and identity converging into something profound.
Finally, how has this style transformed you as an artist?
Through Spectrum, I’ve discovered a way to weave my personal story, emotions, and experiences into every piece I create. It’s not just a style; it’s a language, a means of expressing the intricate and often intangible connection between art, identity, and the human experience. This journey has transformed me as an artist and as a person, teaching me that the most authentic art comes from embracing who we are and what we feel.
