Painting: The Fire Within

Artist: Michael Tolleson

Artist’s Commentary: I live with sensory issues daily. Warm clammy hands on me might as well be sandpaper, as well as the typical clothing label discomfort issues so many of us experience. This painting has to do with sensory issues with water. For me, it is a daily experience I brace myself for. Simply put: water hurts. This painting shows the cool, refreshing stream of water becoming flames as it hits. He stoically braces himself and receives the cool stream knowing how painful it will feel when it hits his body. There are no other choices or escape from this daily routine. For someone not on the spectrum, sensory issues are something that cannot be imagined or truly understood.

Painting: Living with Sensory Issues

Artist: Jennifer Healy

Artist’s Commentary: In this image, the snake adds a sense of dread and anxiety. This is exactly what having sensory problems can be like. Sensory overload often results in shutting down after no release from the flight or fight mode. But, even though it’s sometimes a hurdle, life around us can still be a beautiful thing. That’s why I chose the inviting color scheme and the nature elements. Sensory issues are difficult but there is always hope.