Artist’s thoughts:

Now that the majority of the work for my children’s book, Why Does Mommy Say No? (coming Fall 2021 by Bandersnatch Books) is behind me, I have been able to spend more time on my abstract pieces.  If I could spend ALL of my time painting, I would.  I recently completed “freedom” (shown above); making it my most recent abstract fine art piece. 

The inspiration for the background came from a moment of the early morning sky that I soaked in while my children were getting ready for school.  The colors of pink and blue blended together so beautifully.  I had to participate in it. 

After I laid the impressionism-like background, I added my signature touches: boundaries and texture.  The lines in the foreground are what I saw in my mind for the completed piece, and so I put it down for all to see.

The response has been overwhelming as this piece really seems to speak to so many of you.  Creating something that others can connect with is a really special feeling and privilege.  If you know of an opportunity for me to exhibit my paintings in a gallery, store, or charity fundraiser, I would be very grateful to learn about it. 

You are welcome to reach out to me.

Autism Spotlight

Destigmatizing Autism one introduction at a time.

Mikayla C. is a very caring and determined mother of 3. She is an excellent caregiver, not only to her family, but also the special needs senior citizens placed under her care as a Community Care Person in British Columbia, Canada. Mikayla is on the Autism Spectrum.

Mikayla describes herself as always being up for adventure and a “risk taker without thought of consequence”.  As a result of these sensory-seeking highs, she confesses that she has experienced a number of misfortunes and injuries!

Traveling was part of her hunger for adventure and she preferred to spend most of her life traveling right up until she started to have her children.  Mikayla says of her children: “They are my greatest inspiration to do better and always be employable.”

Mikayla C. has filled many admirable roles throughout the years including: emergency medical service, transition care, and home care for quadriplegics; which she does presently.  She says of her current seniors: “It’s really rewarding to make them laugh and know that I’m making some sort of difference in their lives”.  Her long-term goal is to develop programs for seniors to keep them healthier and in their homes longer.  

Mikayla’s background in health and fitness training will contribute well to these future goals and plans. She loves fitness and has been a fitness instructor since 2012.

Speaking to Autism, Mikayla shares: “My Autism hasn’t always been understood by me nor my family. I didn’t realize until I was researching for my (child) and then suddenly….turns out all my struggles with meltdowns, sensory issues, OCD, and social awkwardness made sense.  It was liberating! And in my every day choices for work, fitness, and care(giving); Autism, fastidious planning, attention to detail, and obsession with research – (are all) a huge positive”.

Mikayla C. says of Amanda Hebert Hughes – american artist:

“A beautiful collection of colour and dynamics that remind me how I see the world, in pieces and fragments that catch my attention, but all linked somehow.” *

*Do you know an amazing individual on the Autism Spectrum? Email: AHH.americanartist@gmail.com for a Spotlight opportunity. Individuals are not fiscally compensated for spotlights.

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”

-Leonardo da Vinci