December 2020
It was a privilege to receive a warm welcome as one of Zenaviv's new artists this past month.
Artist's thoughts:
I am autistic. Just in case you didn't know. I don't generally open up and "talk" a lot on social media. My blog here is more of an opportunity and invitation really, for me to express myself to you. I hope it is something that you can connect with and enriches your life in some way.
I have been doing a lot of listening ever since I publicly adopted the role of an Autism advocate. I am finding that the world of Autism advocacy comes with a surprising amount of controversy and thought camps. "Thought camps": I made this up just now but you probably know what I mean. As I mentioned, I have been doing a lot of listening. After all, I don't know everything and I am by no means an expert on Autism simply because I and several members of my family experience it. I am finding that the common temptation for many people is to develop our own theory on the matter and foot-stomp it as a more enlightened member of the "bunch". The mere thought of taking such a position for myself, however, concerns me for the following reasons:
1. If I walk around looking for people and evidence that ONLY support my own conclusions on Autism, how will I learn and develop? I would not.
2. If I hold a measuring stick up to every person who claims to be affected with Autism and consistently reject them based on my own, personal standards; how would I broaden the circle of people that I could support? I would not.
3. If I decide that Autism is never a "disability", how will I advocate and take under my wing those who struggle perhaps more than I do? I would not.
My place is NOT to define who is affected by Autism and how much they are affected. My place is to model behavior that sees each autistic person as a person who is completely unique and a gifted contributor to mankind. My place is to pause with others and celebrate each autistic person and make sure that we are impressed by them, appreciative of them, inspired by them, and better because of them. Their families and colleagues know their qualities well and share their joys and gratitude of the wonderful people that they are; and we will too.
THIS is what I mean by "De-stigmatize Autism". THIS is the Autism Spotlight.
-Amanda
December Autism Spotlight
"Kiddo's" family, friends, and followers can always count on his bright smile.
"Kiddo" is a friend across the miles to tens of thousands of followers affected by Autism. His mother, Eileen "Mama Fry's" candid sharing and caring comes in the form of daily advice and discussion on her viral social media platforms known as "Autism with a side of fries".
Eileen's advice is not only coming from a place as a mother, but also as an educator. Together, Kiddo and Eileen give life with Autism a down-to-earth feeling which inspires others that it's okay to just be yourself and roll with the punches; and unique "quirkiness" that can accompany Autism. Kiddo models the freedom-to-be-yourself role with such pureness of soul.
Eileen shares, "The best thing about Kiddo is there are NO secrets. The boy is just an open book and he will make you feel so comfortable around him that you will find yourself being the same exact way." Such authenticity is fuel for healthy relationships; and Kiddo models it with excellence and confidence for others to aspire to.
Kiddo loves to sing. Anyone who has followed his social media page for longer than a day has experienced his jubilant singing! Mama Fry says, "He was singing words before he was speaking them. In fact, life in this house is often like living in a Broadway musical. He is often making up songs to describe all sorts of parts of his day".
Kiddo's family adores his quality of character. He is accepting of everyone that he meets and treats them like a friend from the moment that he learns their name. Eileen adds, "He doesn't see the bad in people".
In his future, his family would like to see him have meaningful employment; a role that would really benefit from Kiddo's good nature. Mama Fry states, "He is a hard worker and his desire to be friendly and good-natured just rubs off on folks".
Couldn't we all use more of that?
Kiddo is 16 years old and lives with his family in Wall, New Jersey, USA.
*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.
Original cover c.2008
Exciting Announcement (in case you missed it):
In November, I posted a video announcement sharing my exciting news that a Publisher has asked to take a closer look at my children's book, "Why does Mommy say No?" with the interest of publishing it in late 2021.
This means that I will be shifting my focus to updating the illustrations according to my current place as an artist (I created the original 12 years ago!) and putting together a storyboard. I hope that you will consider following this process with me while developing a familiarity and appreciation of what this book has to offer little ones ages 1-5: the mysterious answer to WHY Mommy says NO!
The Micro collection has made its official debut. There are currently 6 pieces to the collection. Here are 3 of them.
“snowflake” 3”x3”
“leaf” 3”x3”
“coal dust” 3”x3”
Buy original pieces through the website, where the gallery is ALWAYS open: https://www.amandaheberthughes-americanartist.com/portfolio-1. Click the "Purchase" button under your selected piece in the gallery or contact me directly for assistance https://www.amandaheberthughes-americanartist.com/contact.
Finally, I really hope you'll check out my recent collaboration with Cortney Matz Music for an amazing new album titled "Mystery" and the 2021 calendar. I have the privilege of illustrating January of this calendar https://cortney-matz-merch.myshopify.com/products/mystery-bundle-limited-offer?fbclid=IwAR3f-Xnb2PKmjoLdOs7ZfxNriQII6FymX1cxR2arHi45URPK9hW7FWn2gH4
"In art, all who have done something other than their predecessors have merited the epithet of revolutionary; and it is they alone who are masters."
- Paul Gauguin