THE UNTAPPED POTENTIAL ONLINE GALLERY
Untapped Potential explores neurodivergent people's experiences of employment and our vision for a neuroinclusive future.
Rachel
by Linda Foster
"It looks similar until you pay attention – that’s when you notice the differences. Just like Rachel, but this is what makes her, her. "
About the painting
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The proportions of the artwork represent Rachels life journey. The foreground shows how her past has developed her skills. The painting then opens out to show a less defined future as there are so many possibilities. The sea birds represent her aspirations, hopes and dreams. The misty blue headland represents a destination to be aimed for where a calm and positive future awaits with many achievements.
The deckle edge of the paper shows that despite the picture looking like a square from far away, when you look more closely at the details you can see it is more unique. It looks similar until you pay attention – that’s when you notice the differences. Just like Rachel, but this is what makes her her. The unfinished element represents that there is not a defined limit to the scene and that she is always learning more and developing new skills.
The sea and the environment have always interested Rachel, and having studied Marine Biology at St Andrews, Marine Science at Oban and finally Environmental Science in Eyemouth – her final project for the Berwickshire Marine Reserve allowed her to eventually get her degree, 12 years after she started, demonstrating a lot of persevering and determination.
The shells on the beach represent Rachels travels to South Africa for an internship to study great white sharks, then taking a surprising interest in some fascinating worms and snails. She swapped her shark trips for more time at the aquarium, this unconventional decision led to her travelling to America to assist on presenting new research findings. This exemplifies that sometimes having an unexpected interest or not following the conventional path can lead to unexpected but very valuable outcomes.
The process of water cutting through the rocks highlights Rachels persistence to gradually wear away any barrier she is faced with. Much like Rachel, water always seeks the most efficient course to its destination, but this is not always a direct path. This highlights the efficiency that can come from thinking differently.
The erosion of the land to the left of the painting represents difficult and challenging times however the splash of colour from the flowers on the machair below represents Rachels creativity which often results from the innovative thinking required to adapt to the challenges she faces.
The windblown trees show a sense of justice and standing up for what she believes in, whether that fits into the current social norms or not. Also like the difficulty of a tree growing on top of a rock Rachel will always do what she believes is right regardless of it being difficult, demonstrating her tenacity.
Image description
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The artwork is 79 x 58 cm under glass, painted in watercolour on textured paper. The paper has a deckle edge.
From left to right
On the left of the piece there is a stream running into the sea, painted in a pale blue streaked with white, behind the stream are some boulders painted in grey lying on sand which leads into a green expanse of grass peppered with blue and red flowers, above this a high bank of earth sits on which stands a grassy area, home to 5 spindly trees, swaying in the wind.
Moving across towards the right of the picture, we have boulders, light and dark grey sitting on lightly coloured sand, dappled with darker tones, and nestled amongst the boulders are three shells, one ochre, the others a darker grey. Moving towards the sea there is a large expanse of grey rock with beautiful lines and textures. Behind this expanse of rock lies a calm sea, with some gentle waves breaking onto the sand. In the distance on the right of the picture there is a pale headland, and above the headland 12 seagulls fly in a calm, slightly cloudy sky.
Lucy
by Nicky Beckett
"Lucy’s portrait aims to celebrate her many strengths and talents, her zest for life and all she has to offer."
About the painting
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My artwork is based on conversations with Lucy. It represents her aspirations, beliefs, loves, doubts and anxieties and to some extent her personal struggle. Lucy’s portrait aims to celebrate her many strengths and talents, her zest for life and all she has to offer. My aim is to encourage people to pause and look and provoke thought.
I believe that art should make us look outwards and also within ourselves. It is a story board; each image or text passage is linked using embroidery thread (Lucy loves sewing) and I have used a variety of media to tell her story including photography and printing.
Some of the images and text reflect her struggles, e.g. the swan image which is serene in appearance but struggling under the water to keep moving. Also, the shark which has to keep moving to survive.
The text is a combination of Lucy’s words and handwriting and words that have a significant meaning for her.
It has been a privilege working with Lucy and the group to promote awareness of neurodiversity and an experience which has truly enlightened me
Image description
The artwork is on canvas 120cm x 90cm unframed.
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The piece is predominantly painted in vibrant green, yellow and blues, in mid tones, with collage, string, paper bunting and pieces of text adorning the canvas. There are also 8 photographic images of Lucy on the work, in various places and poses, all her head and shoulders. In two of the images Lucy is looking directly towards the camera.
Lucy is smiling in all the images, with a wide smile and long dark hair. There are also two images of Lucy’s cat which is black and white and is seen sitting. Lucy’s hand feature in the piece, one of which shows her ring on her 4th finger of her right hand and her nails are painted black.
There is an image of a swan with the legs and feet visibly moving under the water. There are also three sharks in the piece, and a dragonfly which are drawn onto the canvas in white chalk.
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The work has text on it, some written in Lucy’s writing, some print and some in the artist handwriting.
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The print is generic with the words “Journalist” and “Justice” circled in red. In Lucy’s writing we have words:
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There is only one you and you won’t be able to be that if you continue chasing a wish that seeks to erase the very essence of you in search of an impossible alternative.
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These poignant words appear twice in the piece.
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In the artist’s handwriting we have the following words:
There is a renewed yearning to change and rethink.
Travel
Truth
Justice
Knowledge
Politics
Change.
In letters formed from print and added as collage pieces to the work, we have the words.
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I want to make a difference.
Power
The artist has also added some of the notes that she took in her meetings with Lucy onto the work.
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You keep moving or you drown – this is repeated 3 times
I wish my scrapbook was full – this is repeated 3 times
I want to travel – this is repeated 3 times
Fabric, pattern, sewing, bunting – this is repeated 3 times
Jess
by Justine Miller
"The triumphant “Voice” represents her speech at the Scottish Parliament and her increasing and enduring potential to have her voice heard."
About the painting
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This piece represents Jess’s journey and the potential which she has shown from her earliest years. Through a darker more tightly woven structure to a freer lighter web, the piece can be read like a book of Jess’s life so far.
I have represented Jess’s earlier part of her life, her diagnosis of dyslexia and Ehlers- Danlos Syndrome, the confusion and difficulties that were part of this represented with darker tones, moving through her life to an easier passageway through the lines and lighter tones.
The words on the piece represent Jess’s diagnoses and the way in which she has learned to accommodate the needs she has and to advocate for others. The triumphant “Voice” represents her speech at the Scottish Parliament and her increasing and enduring potential to have her voice heard.
It was brilliant to work with Jess on this piece: her humour, joy, tenacity and potential shone bright at our meetings and I hope that this work is a fitting representation of the journey she has had and the Untapped Potential yet to be realised.
Image description
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The piece is a timeline reading from left to right. An abstract piece with swathes of deep red on the top and bottom of the left hand side, juxtaposed by a bright flash of purple in the centre. The piece is made up of map like lines and marks with words forming parts of the texture.
The centre of the piece introduces yellows and greens as it progresses from left to right, where there is then a lighter centre, still with vein like map-marks revealed through the increasingly lilac and pink tones. To the right of the piece the colours become brighter again with the reintroduction of yellow and then the red and purple of the right- hand beginnings of the work.
Words are incorporated into the texture of the piece and read from left to right
Dyslexia, EDS, 2016, genetics, grief
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On the right-hand side towards the end of the piece are the words
VOICE
HEARD
VALUE
Elizabeth
by Gill Walton
"Being Human is a Beautiful Thing"
About the painting
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From the first meeting with Elizabeth, I saw vibrance and complexity. She has many aspects to her character, and I wanted to reflect this in the piece of work. It was a very inspiring and joyous first encounter which really underlined the wealth of potential that Elizabeth offers. I have really benefited from knowing her.
That first meeting also gave the artwork its title. In the long discussions about some of the joys and difficulties around neurodivergence Elizabeth said, “Being human is a beautiful thing”.
The artwork is layered with silhouettes that represent just some of the richness of her personality:
Her love of movement and dancing and the use of dance to explore feelings and emotions.
Her love of singing and music.
Her great empathy with people and animals but horses in particular.
Elizabeth is a mother, a horticulturalist and herbalist. These aspects are represented by the calendula flower, the seeds and the baby. They represent all aspects of nurturing and growing. Creativity and motherhood are key to Elizabeth’s life.
Finally, and the last thing to be added at Elizabeth's suggestion, the ring of rose thorns is to represent the importance of clear boundaries.. essential to protect and nurture growth.
I tried to show the exuberant side and the quiet side to this very gentle soul. I wanted to show that the stereotypes we are often shown are different from the reality. The words in the artwork are ones that occurred a lot during our discourse
Image description
The artwork is on paper 96cmx 84 cm under glass.
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The artwork comprises of a large circle drawn in graphite and adorned with orange calendula flowers. Written around the edge are the words, “Being Human is a beautiful thing” the numbers 3 and 30/3 are also written around the inside edge in graphite and the 3, 30 and Human are accentuated in orange.
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Within the circle we have a large graphite drawing of a horse in movement, signified by a shadow horse behind a moving horse. This is overlaid with 2 images of a woman, one standing, strong in profile and proudly pregnant, with half a calendula flower around the pregnant belly along with the word Creativity in orange.
The other woman is dancing with her arm above her head and her foot placed on her knee as if in a ballet position. Written around the edge of the moving horse in orange are the words Connection and Empathy. Written around the silhouette of the dancer in orange is the word joy and in graphite spirituality.
George
by Liz Hardy
"They spoke of the delight they experience when spending time with other autistic people as times of “Autistic Joy”. This has been with me as I have worked on this piece."
About the painting
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During this process I have experienced George as a joyous force of nature. They spoke of the delight they experience when spending time with other autistic people as times of “Autistic Joy”. This has been with me as I have worked on this piece.
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My work aims to capture the rich texture of the conversations I have had with George. Their jubilant use of language and love of words captured by the garland of wildflowers weaving around the head, the direct gaze of the eye, their ability to think and see clearly, and the eye masked by flowers representing that which they often hide from the world about them.
The skies above the face are in places bright, in others, dark to represent the lighter and darker times of their experiences. The words represent aspects of our conversations and their thoughts, with the importance of their role as an advocate and their ability to bridge the gap between the two worlds of Neurodivergent and Neurotypical intentionally bold.
The stitching on the canvas, completed by George, represents the importance of Acceptance as it starts to stitch together the wounds created by the trauma of a lifetime of not being understood. The loose end of the stitching, represents how this healing (like everything else in their life, is still a work in progress. Some flowers in the piece are left as simple drawings – unfinished, representing the considerable potential that George still has and their ability to offer more to the world.
Image description
The artwork is a canvas unframed.
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The edges of the canvas are painted in a distressed yellow.
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In the centre of the canvas is a head and shoulders of a woman. Their left eye looks directly out at the viewer while their right eye and right side of the face is masked by yellow hydrangea like flowers. Their hair is replaced by a garland of wildflowers, red, blue and green, with green leaves cradling the top of their temple.
Across their temple are the words:
“I can be a bridge between two worlds “
To the left of their jawline is the word
“translator”
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To the left of their right shoulder there are wild flowers, standing straight, two blue, one white and a dark red poppy. To the right of their left shoulder, extending to the top of the right corner of the piece there are two flowers standing as if guarding them, one blue iris and one red feathered poppy. There are also wild grasses.
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There are words across their right breast written in graphite
“I am brilliant in a crisis”
“Value of water is much greater in the desert when you are parched”
“I am a great editor”
I am loyal
Integrity
The words Humour and Perseverance are written lightly across the bottom of the canvas.
The canvas is stitched across the breastbone with the word ACCEPTANCE with gut like thread and a needle is protruding slightly from the canvas.
