Welcome to Edition 1 of the new and exciting Conversation series from Autistics Aloud. We begin with autistic artist and creative, Madisyn Snow. Hey, my name is Madisyn (or Madt for short)! I was born and raised in rural Nova Scotia, with a fondness for nature and all things strange! As an autistic individual, I don’t typically have much to say, but I like to think my expression through artwork and literature makes up for my lack of words. Art has always been an outlet for me to express my very complex thoughts and emotions, while also providing a way to share my own personal stories, pieces of culture, special interests or whatever I happen to be thinking of that day! The act of creating allows me to be my authentic self, totally unmasked. You can find more of my eccentric artwork, deep thoughts, and occasional poetry on my Instagram @braidedhare Autistics Aloud is thrilled and honoured to collaborate with you and have the opportunity to interview you for the new Conversation series, Madisyn. This is our second collaboration, following your prior contribution to the LifeSpans Series. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude for graciously sharing some examples of your exquisite and impactful artwork, which will be showcased throughout the interview. Let’s begin! Question 1 “There’s a very noticeable lean towards representations of autism and autistic people through the lens of being a young, white boy. Society in general doesn’t understand or even attempt to understand the experiences of Autistics who are Black, Indigenous or People of Colour. What is something you’d like society to better understand about being an Indigenous Autistic person?” Madisyn I wish society could see just how different Autism is for each individual. Autism is definitely a spectrum, and is not limited to just ‘young white boys’. Because of this being the only factor doctors look at, anyone of Colour or different gender(s) are completely overlooked and leads to a lifetime of difficulties… I’ve been there. I was tested as a young child, but because I was only seen as a female, I was ignored. Since then, I endured years of wondering why I’m so different, why I can’t seem to connect to others, and always thought something was very, very wrong with me. I had been misdiagnosed with a multitude of illnesses and disorders… and no matter how hard I tried explaining myself, that I didn’t fit any of those moulds and that all the meds and different therapies I desperately tried hadn’t helped me in the slightest, I was left to figure it out on my own. Going so long undiagnosed (20 some years), of course, I have my fair share of traumas I’m working through now, but I feel this all could’ve been avoided if my doctor hadn’t overlooked that I was female, took into account my mixed races, and diagnosed me earlier. But I know society is changing, and more Autistic people are being heard nowadays compared to years ago… this has to lead to a better change and a more positive view of Autistic people who are outside the ‘white boy’ stereotype. Question 2 I know that you are a very talented artist and are reconnecting as an Indigenous person to try and learn more about your culture. This of course has been made so very hard for many trying to do the same because of the actions and effects of colonization. How do you feel your Indigenous identity and culture influence and guide your art and do you feel like your art is helping you to learn and reconnect? Madisyn Art is something so incredibly human, and I believe it connects us to those in our past. By continuing to create, especially my pieces centred around my culture, I’m letting the voices of my ancestors carry on into the present. It’s a way of saying ‘We’re still here’. For ways that have become lost over time, art can breathe life to knowledge. For us as emotional beings, art can heal us. I enjoy sharing the teachings I know and including it in my artwork, that way it speaks to others and brings that connection to the present, and provides a space for people to come together and help each other along in this journey of reconnecting! I'll likely never learn every single thing, but as long as I keep my hair long like my mom taught me, spread tobacco as thanks, as long as I respect the land, keep creating artwork, wearing my medicine bag, keeping my mind open to new opportunities, standing up for what's right, and continue learning and seeking truth... I think my ancestors would be proud! Question 3 Some artists work with many mediums and tools and others are more drawn towards a single style and medium. How do you create your art, and do you have a favourite style? If so, what is it about that particular style that attracts you the most? Madisyn While I enjoy using very particular colours and clean lines for my digital artwork, ink is truly my go-to because it allows my strangeness to run wild! It’s very abstract, and that is where I really release what's going on inside me. I love using intuitive movement as a tool to let these feelings flow out of me and splatter across my canvas. This form of artwork is much more raw emotionally. I can step back and let my body take over for a bit and get messy, instead of constantly being at war with my own mind. All my ink pieces hold their own stories. Many of them are of dreams both day and night, indescribable emotions, vivid memories, personal experiences… an attempt to communicate. They often take the form of faces, animals, or oddities. Every piece also has small hidden details, usually in the form of old keys, which are just something I like! I even wear one around my neck while I’m creating! Question 4 Throughout my research for this interview, I observed that you have often referred to your grandfather and grandmother. Recognizing that I, too, had a profound bond with my own grandparents, who greatly influenced me as mentors and educators, I am intrigued to learn about the impact that your grandparents and other family members have had on your life, as well as on your path to reconnection and your artistic pursuits. Madisyn My grandparents have handed down generations of knowledge and traditions, and for that, I’m forever grateful. My Grandmother taught me how to bake and cook, the importance of family, and having a family meal on holidays/celebrations. She also showed me how to accept things as they come in life. My mom has always cheered meon in my artistic pursuit and encouraged me to ‘dance to the beat of my own drum’. She’s one of many reasons I began looking deeper into my heritage and reconnecting to my roots. She carries the teachings of her parents and grandparents, and handed that knowledge down to me.” Question 5 What are your hopes and dreams for your art and your future? Madisyn It has already been a dream come true! I never would have guessed my artwork would someday end up in homes and schools across Turtle Island, displayed at a local art gallery, posted in a museum, and featured in magazines! I’m grateful so many different people looked to my work and felt called to it. I’ve had many mentions that my creations bring them a sense of peace, especially those who requested custom creations! I hope my artwork becomes more recognized and in the future someone, somewhere, maybe a hundred years from now can look back to my art and contemplate it, much how I look back to Van Gogh’s paintings and his story and feel inspired. I feel art is something important to remember, as is the creator who made it. Art says ‘we were here’.