2 minute read
Meet the artist
Meet theartist
Abby Browne is a local artist who finds inspiration from the beauty in our world…
When people purchase a work of art they often wonder about the person behind it, because every artist has a story.
For Abby Browne, an artist based in Hawarden, her story is one of challenges and, more importantly, how she overcame them.
“I have been painting since a young child, preferring (Asperger’s) late in life. Being autistic, I believe, has gifted me with my artistic abilities as I seem able to focus on attention to detail and observe patterns in life everywhere I look.” Abby’s paintings are said to be passionate, romantic and atmospheric.
“My hope is that the viewer takes something positive away from viewing my paintings while also allowing a subjective experience in regard to the work. I would dearly hope the viewer will connect with the emotion I attempt to portray in a piece and thus to feel a part of that painting. If I can achieve this, then I believe the painting has served its purpose.”
While Abby’s early work stemmed from her lack of understanding and fear of her autism, leading to her artwork portraying a sense of darkness, sadness and pain, her latest paintings are focused on the beauty in the world around us. “Art is a never-ending discovery, and I seem drawn to perceiving the beauty in our world, beauty we can too often
to create than connect with my peers,” reflects Abby.
“Something I was to realise in later life stemmed from my being on the Autistic spectrum. Most of my adult years have been lost in addiction to alcohol. I used alcohol as a tool, in an attempt to fix me, to fit in with others, as I felt so different,
and suffered from extreme social anxiety. My work, at times, will show a darkness due to the despair I felt within this illness. In February 2020 I went into a rehab for my addiction
which changed my whole outlook on life through a 12-step program of recovery. Incidentally, it is also where I met the love of my life, my partner, who worked there at the time, is also in recovery, a photographer and who has been my rock in a storm.”
Today Abby creates emotional interpretations of art from themes and experiences of her life.
“I have always known I have difficulty expressing my
emotions verbally and much prefer to express them on canvas,” she continues. “I was diagnosed with Autism miss while contending with our busy lives – a smile, a flower
– then sharing it with others,” she says. “I use art to express my emotions. Art is beauty of freedom. Free expression of human mind and senses. I would hope my art inspires people, touches their souls and brings as much joy and connectedness to them as I feel while creating the piece.” n
