Autistic Professional Artists Unite
Autistic abstract artist and advocate Karen M. Andersen presents a rare opportunity for autistic professional visual artists to come together in a safe, welcoming, inclusive online community environment.
Having been an entrepreneur for 19 years and a professional artist for 9 years (including spending 3 years working within a large community art collective and a private commercial gallery within that time), Karen brings a solid depth of knowledge to her presentation which will discuss current issues for autistic professional visual artists including:
– addressing ableism, tokenism, discrimination, exploitation and workplace abuse within the visual arts industry.
– alternative routes to upskilling & growing your art business.
– working in a sustainable manner to prevent autistic burnout.
– accommodations you may not have thought about requesting when you attend any work-related events including training, webinars, conferences, workshops, conferences, residencies, or other work opportunities within the visual arts industry.
– the beauty to be found in having an autistic brain as a visual artist and entrepreneur!
After her presentation, Karen will open the floor to all participants for a discussion that will be co-facilitated by Linda (tech, chat support).
If you are a professional visual artist – i.e. a painter, illustrator, sculptor, print-maker, installation artist, ceramicist, etc. operating your art practice in a business capacity on a casual, part-time or full-time basis to earn an income from your work – we hope to see you there!
Karen M. Andersen
she/her
Autistic
Karen creates abstract paintings and fabric designs infused with emotionality, empathy and truth-telling, working from her home studio in Scarborough on the Redcliffe Peninsula, Southeast Queensland. Her work responds to both internal and external environments, exploring themes of vulnerability, change, courage, resilience, determination and triumph. Her pieces are known for their vivid colours, spontaneous yet intentional mark-making, and a tactile mix of techniques—thin washes to thick impasto. Being diagnosed Autistic late (age 45 in 2021) has given her clarity and validation for feelings she long struggled to express. Through her artwork, Karen seeks to help others feel seen and heard, particularly those with trauma, anxiety, depression, and what being Autistic feels like from the inside.
