Other Joys is an ongoing body of work that highlights my special interests as someone on the spectrum, whilst also discussing the difficulties I face as an autistic woman. The process of making these photographs provides me with a safe space to unmask – something that I cannot always access in day to day life. What was once a fear of being deemed different has now become a celebration of self-acceptance and understanding.
Throughout the work there are visual comments on my own autistic traits, such as my need for sensory comfort and how easy it is for me to be overwhelmed. The self-portraits featured, all different in tonality, expression and mood, mirror how I feel in real life; forever moulding myself to fit in with others, whilst the repetition of certain symbols suggests my need for consistent routine. Overall, Other Joys is a project made to ignite a conversation on how we can improve autistic representation, particularly surrounding women on the spectrum who are often unheard and underestimated.
