About the Artist

Andrew Turkenkopf

I am lately-diagnosed person with autism and aphantasia. I was lonely and then afraid that I was misreading someone and feared rejection. I eventually turned to substance abuse as my crutch and so it goes . . . Art has been a big part of my recovery. I was shown by a great teacher named Dawn Breeze, how to really look at something and to not get hung up on "errors." I had thought I was not good at art. I compared myself to others with greater skills/techniques, and deemed myself not as good. Drawing and sketching helps me remain in places when I get anxious and want to physically flee. My doodling helps me remember information and improve myself. And it helps me interpret the world. I have learned to be more open-minded, spiritual, grateful and to be patient and to do my best and helps me make friends and connections that last. Inspired by animals, friends, life. This piece was inspired by thoughts of plant cell walls on the microscopic level and how God is us and we are God.