a gallery of autistic special/intense interests
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-Cara Difiore
On June 2nd I went to the Nassau County Of Art Museum in Nassau county with my classmates we’ve been going on trips across long island since the summer started I wanted to blog about this since because of my interest and show you what it’s like. Enjoy my photo gallery
-Cara Difiore
I know I haven’t been blogging as much lately because of the last few busy days I’ve had but your artsy queen is back
So first of all the writing, the cover, and everything else is done except the manuscript needs to be rewritten in a different format so here is the cover and the first page to avoid spoilers. So here it is
-Cara Difiore
Today I’ll be writing about why (it seems to me) it’s common for most neurodiverse and disabled people (like me and any of you that is reading this right now) to stay and manage in the workforce keep on reading if you are interested
I wanted to write about this today because it’s something I was interested in writing about and something that’s been on my mind for a while, especially lately because it’s bothering me and most of my friends and classmates went to college right away which I didn’t do, had jobs, went away for big things, and other things which and from endless conversations from to my mom, my friends, my boyfriend, and my therapist.
I believe it is hard for anyone to do that because of the steps you have to do, the action, what to expect, etc, Even if you’re not neurodiverse or disabled. It’s also because of a lack of understanding, fear, sensory issues, communication issues, sensory overload, and burnout. which is something I and most of you probably relate to and understand if you fall under one of those things. If you have I’m deeply sorry I hope you find a way to manage it That sounds awful and overwhelming, doesn’t it? I always worry and wonder when will I ever get to the place I want to be and have the successful paying job I want
I tried out job internships in high school but most of them weren’t for me and had two jobs that I got tired of at some point which I did one for a year and the other for 2 years because of the pandemic. And I’ve been unemployed and an unpaid employee for Christine since but hopefully that’ll change soon.
My advice is don’t decide right away if you’re not sure, ask for guidance when you need it, join a program, go on internships, and give yourself time
Let’s do whatever we can to help everyone stay employed
-Cara Difiore
Today I’ll be talking about why I think animation actually counts as another fantastic form of art
First of all, animation has become such a big part of not just in the art community and industry but also in the film industry because animators and filmmakers (for example Disney, Pixar, etc) work put so many details in them and work so hard on them since nothing blows up overnight and everything takes time and they deserve to get paid as much as everyone else.
As someone who grew up watching lots of animated movies/shows/specials in my childhood and teens till currently now in my adulthood, has an artistic eye, and is now kinda an artist since I had and still have an appreciation for that stuff gave me so much inspiration over the years. However, I do have mixed opinions about the whole current live-action and remake thing which I will probably talk about at another time if you want my intake on them or even talk about/rank them let me know in the comments or my socials.
Another thing I love about it is not just the details and creativity but that it takes you to a different place/scenery to explore a world you want to see outside of your world for a while. and gets your mind off of (your reality) for a long time however how long it is. After watching I wondered how they made it and the process so I looked up. I found out that they stretch out their ideas on regular/illustration paper, then draw them out, color, blend, then test them out on the computer, work it on there, show it to other artists/others, and put it together which is pretty amazing if you ask me. I think anyone can do it or be artistic without being born naturally.
After doing all of the illustrations I did for David’s book not sure if you remember my posts/blogs about it which will also be out soon along with my own and everyone else’s who did a book I had to do so many steps and took so much time than I expected to be but I’m glad I took my time since it worked out well in the end. If you want to be a good artist/instructor/animator/filmmaker or whatever you need to practice as many times as you need to, take your time, find your style, and take other’s feedback/criticism. If you don’t you’ll never get the hang of it.
I hope this video helps explain animation and how it works if you are curious and interested
If you enjoyed this and learned something great and important let me know in the comments or in my socials have a great day.
-Cara Difiore
So here are the current updates on my (first) upcoming book Living In Color
First of all, it is now done and will be coming very soon and coming out wherever you get your books.
I can’t wait for you to grab your copy when it comes out and let me know what you think of the front and back cover in the comments have a great day
– Cara Difiore
I thought I would share this big day with you all
Let’s just say the day didn’t go as we planned and what I mean by that we left later than we planned it, with a little bit of traffic, and got there at the very end of it. I was also planning on going, calling on the road, and getting to the city and college by 5 at least but plans changed due to someone screwing up. But the good thing is that it ended up working well the way it did.
Christine and I went to the college while my mom, Danielle, and her mom Lisa waited in the van. When we got to the end we went to the front counter and asked the guys at the front counter where the event is it looks like it was at its ending at least which I was like oh no I missed most of it but it turns out I didn’t miss out as much as I thought
We got to go to talk to the director and the people who ran it. First, we introduced ourselves, then talked about me being an amazing artist, showed my artwork that I submitted, asked them about the event, talked about Autisticana, asked if we can do an interview with them, then they said sure and my book (that is done and in the works of being printed and published be on the lookout!) they also said they would love to promote it when it’s printed out and published which made me so happy. And we took pictures with me, Christine, my art, and the city in the background. Then we went back to van and meet back up with everyone with seeing Lisa as a surprise then we went out for dinner which the place and food was awesome.
Hi so today I’ll be talking about how I think writing is another form of therapeutic art expression
Because it has also been another way to be creative but honest and express myself. It also has helped me get out of my emotions whatever I’m feeling so it’s also pretty therapeutic too.
I’m not 100% an extrovert, always wasn’t, and still am not to this day so I sometimes have trouble expressing myself when I’m around people I either don’t know or don’t have much in common with, and have anxiety. So it’s a good thing and I am grateful for it in a way.
I think it has helped me make sense of my thoughts, beliefs, who I am as a person, and what I believe in. So that’s a plus. It also has helped me with my mental health for some reason. If I don’t write anything down and get my feelings out I go crazy.
Now that I’m in the middle of putting out my own book Living In Color and my co-illustrated book We Can Become Friends I have more confidence in my work and I hope everyone feels the same in themselves and their work.
By Cara Difiore
Hi again everyone I wanted to write and update you on the update of my upcoming book Living In Color. The book is one of the main reasons for my blogging hiatus. I thought I would share the progress so here it is
I’m excited for what’s to come, for you all to read it, and continue on my journey. Be on the lookout
By Cara Difiore
Hi everyone! I feel like it’s been a hot min since I’ve been on here which I’m not apologizing for. I wanted to come back on here and blog about the update on me, my book, my artistic journey, what I’ve been creating, and how my passions and the things that bring me joy and comfort have been helping me get through daily life and challenging times.
So with my artistic journey, I’ve been creating a lot some I made for myself to make me feel better, and one for my cousin who passed on recently is a memory tree. which I will show you at some point. I’ve been trying to create and keep busy as much as I can since I’m going through a lot at the moment professionally, mentally, and personally. What I mean by that is I’m worried about the future, I’m feeling bad about myself, and I’m worried about my personal life. My family and I are going through a big loss right now so it’s been causing a big scar I believe I’ve mentioned this before but I have a history of mental health stuff like anxiety and depression (My mental health/autism story is on the blog if you want to check that out) So, of course, it’s gonna affect me and not just my family. I’m forcing myself to move forward. I mean how do you? However, my work and art, in general, have been helping me get through life and keep going which is an accomplishment and a positive at the same time.
More things that have been helping me get through me and keep going are not just my art and art in general but the support of my family but also my friends, my therapist, my cats, Bob Ross haha, watching/listening to my favorite artists, my class, journaling, and doing other things that bring me joy, happiness, and peace like going out, exercising, meditating, vent to my other loved ones and my therapist for support, spend time with my cats, taking time for me before I can for everyone else. Do you know why? It’s because they’ve been my therapeutic escapes they help me get whatever I’m feeling off my chest, get out of my head, and get to a happier place that isn’t reality. those things get me to a place I want to be and the feeling I want to have at the moment, I believe that’s the key to overcoming physical/emotional pain and grief. I believe that is and is going to get me through the next few days, weeks, months, and the rest of the year. If I can get through it so can you. If you are going through a tough time yourself just know to give it time, take time for yourself, do something that brings you comfort, and keep busy.
Memory Tree, December 2022
What I Used: pencil, paint, scissors, colored matte paper, and colored glitter paper
This was for my cousin Jack who passed away recently and brought it to his wake. It is now with my aunt, uncle, and my two other cousins
Falling Tears, January 2023
What I Used: pencil, markers, and pen
I drew this around the time my cousin passed away
Snowflake Wonderland, January 2023
What I Used: pencil, colored pencils, and markers
Birthday Cat, January 2023
I drew this for a friend for her birthday
Sunset Dreams, February 2023
Flower Girl, February 2023
Flowing In Color, February 2023
What I Used:
Artists That Bring Me Joy And I Love:
What I Like To Do When I’m Not Working:
By Cara Difiore and Christine Grimadi
Today we’ll be talking about why we realize why I think we actually all are aliens and why we also think there is no such thing as typical and the differences between neurodivergence and neurotypicals.
This category is about Neurotypicals vs Neurodivergents where Autistic people compare to Typical people. Neurodiversity is about Autism and Atypical would get along together like hobbies or interest
Christine and I are both neurodivergent (though we don’t have the same disorder) and have been most of our lives.
Most typical people spend their time going on their phones the whole day, spend too much time on Social Media, and go to parties with expensive lifetime experiences like music festivals and spoiling themselves. There always unhappy, and depressed and find ways to get into trouble. There is always talking when there socializing and talking about life and other topics about what’s going on. Some Neurotypicals (not saying all of them) often think it’s cool to use drugs like vapes, cigarettes, and other harmful items, which are very addictive and harm your body. They often talk about the hotter body and good-looking faces which it does sickens people because I would’ve done the same thing. Most of the younger generation like myself don’t even do social activities as they used to. We’re not even typical and I’ve noticed some of this stuff not from every single allistic person but from some of them. I’ve also never done most of these things except being depressed and getting in trouble, not on purpose though. Christine probably has although I can’t speak for her.
Autistic people (like me) are who have like special talents and focus on special events or hobbies because they would go with one task at a time. Sometimes they have trouble communicating because it could be challenging to keep on track with the conversation. They have a mindset of their own world and focus on a time-set schedule so they can focus on what they want to do or go to places that they want to go to or meet up at a specific time. They tend to get extra support if they need help because sometimes does need some assistant help. Autistic people are gifted people and get to have services to get their needs. Autistic people also get extra support and services that typical people don’t get like free healthcare, special services like Self Direction, Financial Planning, special grants, Medical and Health Products, Free Passes, and Discounts like stare parks and special places that serve them. I know all of these not just from doing research but from experience since I’m also on the autism spectrum and I relate to all of this and have this myself too.
I hope this helped you understand and learned something new today.