Art
I have a visuo-spatial aptitude score in the top 1 percent of people! This type of processing, is essential for human intelligence. I capture the soul of the sitter.
I was referred to art as therapy. Being autistic I have trouble with interpersonal relations. So I hope to communicate visually.
My vector graphics page is up to date. For the last several years, I have been creating digital art. That has mostly been still artwork.
Acrylic
Acrylic paint is is a water-based medium in which pigments are suspended in a polymer emulsion. When applied, water evaporates; allowing the polymer particles to coalesce and form a continuous film. Artists appreciate the bright, vivid colours achievable with acrylics. Acrylic mediums such as gels can alter the surface properties of the paint, affecting texture or finish. Additionally, a retarder can be used to slow down the drying process, providing more working time.
Digital Media
Digital art refers to artworks created or enhanced using technology. For several years in my personal practice, I have been using digital tools to produce all my artworks. I size them for quick loading, and save them in the web-friendly PNG and GIF formats, which are losslessly compressed. I use the former for stills, and the latter for animations. I check that all my posted artworks can be viewed on devices from phone to TV.
I upload my recent artworks online to my website. Its pages automatically update a guestbook. That records: Canberra time, web page, country, and region. I often view and reset the guestbook. Since my artworks are hosted online, viewers can download them whenever they have Internet access and compatible devices.
I maintain my website daily. I have carefully completed the metadata. And edit the text for readability. This is to increase accessibility and global reach. Users can download my artworks for offline viewing, facilitating easy access.
Animation
Animation is a visual communication technique that involves drawing a sequence of frames. That creates an illusion that objects are moving and lifelike. Traditional principles can mimic realistic movements. Though animation often takes creative liberties. Software makes drawing the frames easier.
Illustration
I use a pen display. It features a pen tool which senses pressure.
Vector graphics
I also use vector graphics software, so creating geometric shapes. On my vector graphics page, I show my most recent artworks.
Mixed Media
A little over a century ago, the cubists pioneered the use of collage in their artwork. Mixed media broadly involves combining various art and craft techniques. Some mixed media pieces introduce a third dimension, moving beyond traditional flat surfaces. Blending techniques and materials, allows artists to explore new possibilities. One can integrate painting, sculpture, and photography within a collage.
Oils
The pigments are suspended in a drying oil, which acts as the binder. This cures via oxidative polymerisation. Traditional linseed or Tung oil cures slowly. Alkyd (polyester) paint's synthetic resin formulation cures faster. Applying an oilier (fat) layer over a less oily (lean) one—'fat over lean', helps prevent cracking by allowing the substrate to cure properly. Oil paints offer easy color mixing and subtle variations. Their workable consistency allows for blending and reworking.
Photography
The first photograph was taken two hundred years ago. Because cameras record light, lighting is essential in photography. The lens projects an image. My digital camera makes files that are easy to process on a computer. I show both older, and newer photos.
Watercolour
Pigment is a dry coloured powder. It is mixed with a binder. The binder is soluble in water. Gum arabic is the most common binder used in watercolour painting. That acacia gum has been used for millenia in paintings. Artists used to create their own paints from scratch.
Commercially available paints were portable. This enabled impressionism and plein air (outdoor) painting.
Paper is the most common supporting material for watercolour painting. A brush is used to apply watercolour paint.
Memoir
I donated sperm until I turned 40, following my fertility clinic's policy. Twenty years later when I was 60, the clinic was contacted by a person conceived from my donations. They requested information about my social history. This contact prompted me to reflect on my lived experience. Which led me to decide to share it, by writing my autobiography. I focused on the intervening decades, the period from age forty to 65. That's a time commonly considered middle age. Then I experienced significant personal changes, including retirement and buying a house. Documenting these years, helped me understand myself better, and gain emotional insight into my past decisions.
My vocational education initially boosted my confidence, and prepared me for employment. But it later transpired that I was autistic, and having poor soft skills.
At work I got bullied. That often arises where supportive management and clear policies are lacking. I later discovered that the unit manager had neglected to update HR documentation—which did not reflect actual duties. Repeated mistreatment triggered a mental health crisis. The unit manager lacked understanding of the team's work. I developed an aggravated anxiety disorder. Which psychiatric breakdown reduced my ability to function.
I worked conscientiously. But I was subjected to documented abuse (including being struck) by my boss. Converging evidence aligned to my feelings of pressure, anger and depression. My general practitioner diagnosed me with work-related reactive depression, and a psychiatrist confirmed that my Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder was aggravated by the hostile work environment. The medical evidence corroborated by my documented experiences provided a consistent narrative linking my psychological injury and my employment. As a result, my mental health deterioration was recognised as work-related, justifying my compensation claim. The claim was accepted, with the reviewer affirming that I had been harried at work. My treating psychiatrist insisted that I had a clinical disorder—and not a personality disorder as an insurance-psychiatrist claimed.
Despite work stress, I learned computer hardware and software, and industrial relations. I worked in technical administration, and I've been active in both computer clubs and political parties. I responded to employment promotion of Public Administration education. So I submitted a portfolio of work experience, and sat a three-hour oral exam. Thus I was awarded an Advanced Certificate.
Though I worry about handling difficult personalities, yet I strive to convey respect in my interactions.
Following that work-related mental breakdown, I consulted clinicians. I was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Which explains social difficulties. Additionally, I gained supporters who helped me resolve conflicts. As a result of my mental health challenges, I was medically retired from work. I had a small circle of friends who also faced neurological and mental health challenges.
Following these events, I started afresh, relocating to north Canberra.
Though I came back to Canberra fit and smart! Yet as stated above, I was hounded out of the public service. That was in a state of stress!
I worked in management science. But I preferred horticulture. That could be healing. I also had legal conflicts with insurance companies. Which yielded varied outcomes.
I leased low density housing. Yet I encountered numerous difficulties. My interests included both technical activities and outdoor pursuits.
Touring the world, I met relatives and pen pals.
With careful financial planning, I bought a home. It's a sensible house in the suburbs. The bedrooms have custom curtains, and one serves as a study.
My openness led to departure from several groups. Though I put my sense of style to use.
I've cultivated a more tranquil way of living. Because of my mental and emotional challenges, I'm single. However, I've grown wiser and a bit chubby. Also, I've experienced a reduction in my stress levels.
Mental Health
As I mentioned, I personally experienced workplace bullying. That caused me to feel anxious and depressed.
Personality
The way we think, feel and act is what makes us unique. Personality is a significant factor influencing how people interact and respond to situations. The chart on that linked page shows my results from a five factor test.
Politics
Political identity is a form of social identity. Charts express such preferences.
Sports
My fatty liver would benefit from weight loss. Towards which goal, I have dieted and exercised.