Hello Friends,
I am happy to share with you a book review I wrote about The Covid Canvas: Artist Profiles and Interviews of the Pandemic Era.
Dr. Rosa Martinez interviewed 12 artists and/or the artist’s family or caregiver. Trent, my son was one of the artists interviewed and each has a chapter in the book revealing how they respondedto daily life, how making art impacted their life during the pandemic and their artwork. At the end of this blog, I posted a video about Trent’s art-making.
Book Review
In The Covid Canvas Dr. Rosa C. Martinez presented a close look at twelve, nationally and internationally known and award winning autistic artists revealing the impact of the pandemic on their daily lives: abrupt changes and their evolving art creations. With these in-depth interviews, she brilliantly presents to us a glimpse of their artistic lives, through their eyes, their voices, or the voices of caregivers providing a detailed perspective.
The artists created from a range of mediums: landscape and portraits, animator, illustrator, drawing, impressionist, digital, architectural, graphic design, acrylic mixed media, contemporary paintings, calligrapher, and eco-impressionist.
In general, autistic people are vulnerable to environments that lack supports to meet their sensory needs. They are often rejected from employment in workplaces because of other people’s limited understanding about their needs, the value of their unique perspectives, and talents.
Yet, the artists endured an even greater vulnerability when the daily living structures they relied upon so deeply were dismantled. They experienced grief and loss during lock down due to interrupted routines, closed public shops and venues, loss of employment, and canceled fine art shows.
Life became emotionally overwhelming and for some devastating without these personalized structures that gave them purpose and balance. For some artists, abrupt changes included: moving from their apartment to their parents’ residence. And for other artists, the cancelled holiday celebrations left them deep in grief, missing a parent, or siblings.
On the upside, most found stability and meaning through their art making. One caregiver said, ‘being able to make his art has saved him during this pandemic’.A research study reported that creating art reduces cortisol and evokes a desire to make art in the future. It is no surprise how healing and motivating the act of art-making can become.
The artists held a deep belief and value in their strengths. Each artist knew well h-her talent, and used their strength to face abrupt change. Indeed they became resilient.
The artists held a deep belief and value in their strengths. Each artist knew well h-her talent, and used their strength to face abrupt change. Indeed they became resilient.
I appreciate each artist. Altogether their art is truly a gift to us: engaging our curiosity, giving us joy, and a hopeful visual that can heal the world. These artists are true innovators, shining a light into the darkness of the pandemic. “As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light of meaning in the darkness of mere being.” ― Carl Gustav Jung.
I recommend this book to all: autistic persons, their families, professionals and students studying autism, resiliency, and art-making. After reading the book, the reader walks away with a sense of wonder at what h-she might become. These authentic stories will inspire the reader to face change, persevere, and to give their own gifts to the world.
Trent’s video. 3:08sEnjoy!
The pandemic has been overwhelming to all youth including Neuerodiverse and students on the Autism Spectrum. Many youth are struggling because they are misunderstood, feeling confused, anxious, and devalued.
I talk a lot about the importance and value of ‘bright spots.’ ‘Bright spots’ are something good that occurs during a bad or difficult time. We can help youth see their own ‘bright spots’. I have learned over many years of practice to focus on ‘bright spots’ each and everyday with Trent. Seek bright spots. You can do a search on your own, but if you use my online assessment, it will be easy to identify ‘bright spots’. Everyone has strengths: intellectually, artistically, personal preferences to adapt, and life-skill ability that leans into the development of self-emotional awareness and self-advocacy. Jobs and career options are then offered to meet personal strengths and abilities.
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“An important offering to the Neurodiversity, career and self-empowerment literature. I believe the Marquette Strengths and Career Index… should be introduced as part of school transition planning starting in early adolescence.”
~ Review – Sheila Mansell, PhD. R. Psych.
I pray for you in these uncertain times. I wish you good health, safety, and joy in life!
Love
Jackie
Educator
Founder ofdrjackiemarquette.com
I create career curriculum digital resources, give professional training, and make educational videos for those who care about and want to promote the growth and well- being of our youth and young adults.
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Closing the gap:
and life adaptation. I invite youth who are autistic, Neurodiverse, or anyone who wants to be seen for their strengths, capabilities, and innovations, to try them.
Our young people are fragile and struggling through this pandemic. We all are. It is my intention to bring to the table tested ideas from integrated disciplines that can shine upon us best answers just for now, that will point a direction to take steps that will carry us through uncertainty with harmony and peace.
Jackie’s bio
All of my resources are science-based and among my closest and truest tools to promote inner security for the student seeking a career and life adaptation. I invite youth who are autistic, Neurodiverse, or anyone who wants to be seen for their strengths, capabilities, and innovations, to try them.
I’m a lifelong educator and parent to three adult sons, Trent is my autistic son and I walked for decades (and still walking) through environments of attitudinal barriers to help prepare my students, clients, and my son for career success. Over the years, I learned how to pave pathways. I created tools for teens and young adults to use so they can see the value of their strengths, and practice skills that increase emotional adaptation and resiliency in daily and career life.
For all persons struggling emotionally and socially, and for supportive inclusive leaders, professionals and parents, these resources are like having a one-of-a-kind map in your pocket with a personal mentor all rolled into one. They have been for me and Trent.
Learn more about Jackie To learn more
Dr Jackie’s proprietary program the S.A.F.E.T.Y. Works© is engineered to be a catalyst for Inclusive Leaders, i.e., school personnel, counselors, company leaders on the behalf of the employment of youth with Autism Spectrum. When leaders understand how Neurodiverse persons have the incredible value to offer a business, they will get some of the best employees. Inclusive Leaders must also understand their challenges and strengths and how important adaptive environments are to the employee’s on-the-job success and satisfaction.