Journey of a Different Mind

JAVIER MORALES

ABOUT ME

Born in San German, Puerto Rico, in 1969, my life has been anything but ordinary. I co-own a digital marketing agency that focuses on the hospitality industry, where I’ve spent over 30 years. I’ve seen the highs and lows of this field and made some incredible friendships along the way. But that’s just one part of my story.

When COVID-19 hit, it threw everything into chaos, especially since getting my ADHD meds became almost impossible. My wife Maria, who’s been by my side for 30 years, gifted me art workshop classes in September 2021. I wasn’t exactly thrilled at first, but those classes ended up changing everything for me. Painting became my outlet, a way to manage my ADHD that meds never could. It helped me express my emotions and get to know myself on a whole new level. I started to see my ADHD as a superpower, something that made me unique and gave me the confidence to be my true self.

Oh, and just to make Maria happy, I should mention that I’m a Virgo and a bit hard-headed. But art has definitely softened me. Thanks to my son Antonio, who is LGBTQ+, my eyes have been opened to a world I didn’t know before. And my other son, Javi Angelo, also has ADHD. This shared experience has brought us closer, giving us a special bond because I truly understand his struggles.

I’m passionate about my work and grateful for the people I’ve met throughout my career. Working in travel and tourism for over 30 years has taken me to some of the most beautiful places in the world. Even with the challenges of ADHD, I’ve found ways to channel my creativity through the toughest times. Join me as I look back on these experiences and use playful tools to create unforgettable art. Let’s explore, discover, and celebrate the beauty that comes from life’s unexpected twists and turns.

Contact

@jwithabrush

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Inner Peace Cover Acrylic, scratching, spraying on canvas. 30h x 24w Taino Pride Acrylic, scratching, spraying on canvas. 48h x 48w

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Restless Mind

Acrylic, scratching, spraying on canvas.

16h x 20w

BRUSHING THE MIND

Unleashing Creativity through ADHD and Abstract Art

Living with ADHD feels like having a constant rollercoaster in your head. Thoughts, emotions, and impulses zoom around non-stop. But in the world of abstract art, this chaos finds a perfect home. Here, ADHD can fuel creativity in ways I never imagined.

Understanding the link between ADHD and abstract art was a game-changer for me. The impulsivity, hyperactivity, and out-of-the-box thinking that come with ADHD are the same traits that make abstract art so powerful. When I started painting, I realized these characteristics could be transformed into artistic strengths.

Abstract art is all about freedom. There are no rules, just endless possibilities. This open-ended nature is perfect for someone with ADHD. It lets our minds roam, experiment with colors and shapes, and break free from traditional forms. Embracing the chaos of my mind, I found clarity on the canvas.

Impulsivity, which often gets a bad rap, became my secret weapon in art. Those sudden bursts of creativity led to some of my best work. I learned to navigate my impulsivity, turning it into waves of inspiration.

Focusing on one task is usually a challenge for me, but not with abstract art. The process became meditative, calming my racing thoughts. It celebrated neurodiversity, showing that different ways of thinking enhance creativity. This journey through abstract art has been about more than just painting—it’s about embracing my ADHD and using it to create something beautiful.

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CHAPTER

The Down Below

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Acrylic on canvas. 24h x 36w

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2nd CHAPTER

COLORFUL CHAOS

Exploring the ADHD-Driven Abstract Artistic Process

Dazed and Condused

Acrylic, scratching and spraying on canvas.

20h x 16w

The world of abstract art is like a playground for someone with ADHD. It’s where impulsivity and hyperactivity can be channeled into something amazing. When I dive into a painting, it’s not just random chaos; it’s a controlled chaos that brings my inner world to life.

Abstract art thrives on spontaneity, allowing me to break free from the constraints of realism. For someone with ADHD, this environment is perfect. My impulsive nature comes out in bold brush strokes and daring color choices, creating compositions that capture the senses.

Painting has become a delicate dance between impulsivity and intention. Each stroke reveals a part of my inner world, a peek into the untamed thoughts and emotions that swirl inside my head. It’s a journey into the unknown, with the canvas as my sanctuary.

Through abstract art, I’ve learned that my ADHD-driven creativity isn’t about random chaos. It’s a calculated chaos, a blend of spontaneity and precision. This artistic process has become a powerful outlet for selfexpression, showing me the beauty of neurodiversity.

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Futura Acrylic, scratching and spraying on canvas. 20h x 16w

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Elephant Colors Acrylic on canvas. 24h x 36w Moku Jumbi Acrylic on canvas. 24h x 30w

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Lost Acrylic on canvas. 20h x 16w

3rd CHAPTER FROM IMPULSIVITY TO INSPIRATION

ADHD’s Role in Artistic Innovation

ADHD is often seen as a hindrance, but it has played a remarkable role in my artistic journey. My impulsivity, usually seen as disruptive, has become a source of inspiration in the world of abstract art.

People often overlook the potential of impulsivity as a catalyst for creativity. But in abstract art, those spontaneous thoughts and actions lead to innovative breakthroughs. The unpredictability of my ADHD-driven art captivates both me and my audience.

The key to turning impulsivity into inspiration is knowing when to let go and when to reign it in. This balance creates a dynamic process, an artistic dance that brings out raw, unfiltered emotions and ideas. My journey from impulsivity to inspiration mirrors the complexities of the human mind, showing that what some see as chaos is actually a wellspring of creativity waiting to be harnessed.

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Blue Lines

Acrylic, scratching and spraying on canvas.

36h x 24w

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OG Gangster

Acrylic, scratching and spraying on canvas.

12h x 9w

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Feeling Zen

Acrylic, scratching and spraying on canvas. 24h x 36w

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FINDING FOCUS ON THE CANVAS

Art as a Therapeutic Outlet for ADHD

Living with ADHD means that finding focus can be a daily struggle. Traditional methods like medication and routines work, but they come with limitations. Art, especially abstract art, offers a different path—a sanctuary where I can find my unique brand of concentration and peace.

Creating art requires undivided attention. Choosing colors, making brush strokes, and composing a piece demands a focus that is immersive and meditative. This process brings order to my chaotic inner world, showing me the therapeutic value of my newfound concentration.

Art also serves as a non-verbal way to express emotions. It provides a safe space to convey feelings, fostering self-awareness and emotional regulation. Through abstract art, I’ve found a way to enhance my focus and nurture my soul, bringing a sense of calm amidst the whirlwind of ADHD’s challenges.

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4th CHAPTER

ODB Acrylic on canvas. 36h x 24w

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La Isla - Puerto Rico Acrylic, scratching and spraying on canvas. 24h x 36w

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Italia Acrylic, scratching and spraying on canvas. 24h x 36w

Acrylic, scratching and spraying on canvas.

24h x 36w

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Jamaica

5th CHAPTER

THE NEURODIVERSE PALLET

Abstract Art and ADHD’s Unique Perspective

Abstract art celebrates diversity of thought and perception, making it a perfect match for the ADHD mind. In this chapter, we explore how the unique perspective of individuals with ADHD enriches the world of abstract art.

Neurodiversity recognizes the value of different cognitive styles, including those associated with ADHD. Abstract art, with its openness to interpretation, beautifully captures the diverse neurological experiences of its creators. The unique perspective of ADHD infuses artworks with unconventional ideas, bursts of energy, and untamed creativity.

Embracing the neurodiverse palette that individuals with ADHD bring to abstract art challenges stereotypes and expands our understanding of human creativity. It moves us toward a more inclusive world where diverse minds are recognized as valuable contributors to the artistic tapestry of humanity.

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La Llorona Acrylic, scratching and praying on canvas. 20h x 16w

Trails of Color

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Acrylic, scratching and spraying on canvas. 24h x 18w Pirate Parrot Acrylic, scratching and spraying on canvas. 36h x 24w

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Mind Your Words

Acrylic, scratching and spraying on canvas. 24h x 30w

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3rd CHAPTER

BEYOND THE CANVAS

How Abstract Art and ADHD Connect in Everyday Life

Abstract art isn’t just about what happens in the studio—it influences everyday life. For those with ADHD, the skills and perspectives gained through abstract art extend far beyond the canvas.

Adaptability is one of the key takeaways from abstract art. Navigating the unpredictable terrain of the mind while creating art helps develop a remarkable capacity for adaptability. This skill translates into everyday life, making it easier to shift focus, embrace change, and think on our feet.

Problem-solving takes on a creative flair, drawing from experiences in abstract art. The ability to approach challenges from unconventional angles becomes a valuable asset in all aspects of life.

Resilience is another hallmark of the ADHD-abstract art connection. The process of creating art often involves multiple attempts and embracing imperfections. This resilience carries over into everyday life, empowering individuals with ADHD to bounce back from difficulties and embrace life’s uncertainties.

Abstract art becomes a mindset—a way of approaching and thriving in the world. This unique intersection of abstract art and ADHD enhances daily experiences with creativity, adaptability, problem-solving, and resilience.

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