Guest post: Audrey the Artiste
Audrey the Artiste
My name is Audrey, I'm 24 and I live in the south of France.
I am a french artist and was born with an unknown disease. Most doctors said it is a genetic mutation, and that makes me feel like a X-MEN (which is very cool) and it also makes me use an electric wheelchair as I am unable to walk.
Art came to me naturally. I thought as a kid that it was obvious that I was supposed to draw, paint, and do collage. I didn't think of myself as an "artist" until I started studying a specific course when I was around 19. Something inside me just clicked, and I began drawing hair and faceless women daily during the three years I was studying graphic design.
An original work by Audrey the Artiste
I've done something quite unique by developing my own graphic signature. I feel very lucky because it feels like I have accomplished the impossible, and proved, without really intending to, a lot of people wrong.
When you are born with a (visible) disability, people look at you curiously. I understand, what's different is scary for most people. I had always handled that very well, until I started being bullied by both students, and a few teachers, when I was studying graphic design. I am strong-minded person, and I don't take anyone's sh*t. And I think they hated me for that. I believe in good vibes, karma and a "yes, we can" piece of mind. I kept going, and I didn't let go of my love for Art. I'm very thankful for that.
Now two years have passed and I've never drawn so much like I do right now. It's the best thing, doing what you love as a job, and I'm really happy of where I am and where I am going.
An original work by Audrey the Artiste
I am ambitious, and I intend to give back as much as I can. I believe that we should empower one another. I think I'm an example that being in wheelchair is not a limit. You can be creative, positive, and a strong kind of chick, too. One of my goals was to do my first solo art show before being 24, which I did. It's been a success, and I am so happy people recognize my works. I've been noticed through my instagram by amazing people such as Luc Besson, Daniel Sharman, Zoe Kravitz, and even Kylie Jenner. While the success is surreal, I also know that I worked hard, and I kinda deserve it, which is really cool and badass. Be yourself, your fire is yours only.
An original work by Audrey the Artiste
Diversability means to me that each difference is empowering. We all go right there, to either look at ourselves in a negative or a positive way. I always picked the light. It's about embracing yourself, and spreading what shines. Maybe one day someone will relate to a piece of my art work, and on that day I know I will have reached a piece of greatness.
Follow Audrey the Artiste's work on instagram, tumblr and facebook.