As an autistic adult, my paintings and drawings illustrate my social range. On one end, there are the most abstract works where the brush strokes are aggressive, bold, and seemingly without reason. In these works, there is a dichotomy between my analytical observations and my emotional response towards my subject matter. When I create in this way, the logic and reason are more attributable to me and how I understand and see the world. On the opposite side, when forced by neurotypical constructs to work in and around social norms, I see and create more representational paintings and drawings, with elements of how I prefer to see and interpret the world still being evident. It is my intent, by working within this range, to provide a positive social commentary for autistic individuals and promote inclusion for anyone who may be perceived as being different.
What was the best part for you about being at Monson Arts? And what, if anything, did you learn about your creative process while being here?
As a neurodivergent (autistic) adult, the overall social and neurological accessibility of the program is what allowed me to be most productive. That acceptance of my difference, willingness to provide accommodations whether I chose to utilize them or not, and openness to allowing myself and those around me to explore our creativity without fear. This environment allowed me to discover new things about my perception of the world as an autistic person and apply it to my work. As a result, I left Monson having expanded my work to include even more of my truest self, making it all the more impactful.
What was your focus during your residency? And what have you been working on anything since you left?
I came to Monson with a very specific series in mind to complete, which I did but I also left with several expansions or spin-off series, each allowing me to more greatly express my neurodivergent perspective. For example, I came to Monson with the intention of completing a series called Puddle Jumping that focused on the relationship between myself and my son and how my neurodivergence was influenced and impacted by him and left with a conceptualization of my Autistic Joy! (autistic pride) so much so that has now become the clear through-line for all my work.
Who are some artists that inspire you and your work?
I am admittedly not as well versed as some of my contemporaries are with the collections of other prominent artists despite all of the requisite Art History courses over the years; rather than any recognizable names, I tend to be more influenced by artists around me who share the same energy and inquisitive nature about creating new work. I embrace fearlessness in my work and feed off others who share the same enthusiasm to experiment and take chances. Ironically, I find that more often than not it’s other members of the neurodivergent community who share this quality vs. others who don’t identify in that manner, shattering just one of many stereotypes that autistic or neurodivergent individuals are inflexible and rigid.
Mark has an exhibition that is currently on view at the Atlantic Highlands Arts Council in Highlands, New Jersey. Headwaters will be on view from January 22 – March 1, 2025.
To see more of Mark’s work, you can visit his website: www.oldlandart.com
Time and space to create.
Monson Arts is a new artists’ residency and arts center in Monson, Maine. Programs include residencies for artists and writers, intensive shorter workshops, and educational partnerships with area secondary schools.