I was barely two years old when I received the diagnosis that would shape my life: Autism Spectrum Disorder. As a child, I was shy and struggled to express myself, which left my parents filled with worry about my future. Would I be able to connect with others? Could I find my place in mainstream society?
In their quest to support me, my parents explored various methods, and one of the most impactful was painting. I remember spending countless hours in school, lost in the vibrant world of colours as I brought my drawings to life. Each stroke of the brush filled me with joy, and for those moments, the white paper became a canvas of possibilities.
It wasn’t until college that I truly embraced art as a passion. During a workshop, I discovered the magic of stone painting. I was amazed at how a dull, grey pebble could transform into something beautiful with just a splash of colour. When I picked up my brush and began to paint, I felt an exhilarating sense of freedom. From that moment on, there was no looking back.
Stone painting became my refuge and my voice. It helped me navigate the challenges of language and communication that often felt insurmountable. Sure, it’s not always easy; the unique shapes of stones can make it tricky for the paint to stay put, and the drying time is far longer than traditional painting on paper. I use acrylic colours that take a staggering 15 days to dry! But every moment spent creating is worth it.
As I honed my skills, my creations began to attract attention. I started selling my stone paintings online and through Atypical Advantage, an initiative that supports artists like me. The thrill of seeing my work displayed at exhibitions at places like India Habitat Centre in New Delhi was indescribable. It felt like a dream come true.
Today, I’m proud to say that I work as an Associate Consultant at a Big Four firm while nurturing my passion for stone painting on the side. This journey has not only made me financially independent but has also given me a sense of purpose. My dream is to share my art with the world—selling my paintings in every country one day.
Through each stroke and splash of colour, I’ve found not just a way to express myself but also a way to connect with others. My journey has taught me that art can be a powerful bridge between worlds, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next.
If you, too, have an inspiring story to tell the world, send us your story at mystory@5w1h.media
