Takiwatanga:

Takiwatanga is a Maori word that means in my own time and space. I chose this title for my art show to pay tribute to the autistic people that nurtured and brought me home to myself. I am neurodivergent with a diagnosis of ADHD. I had a stroke six years ago. At the time of my stroke, I was a mental health counselor and I was running a community art studio for artists and teachers with disabilities. I was going too fast and not taking care of myself. My body and mind were overworked and I had a stroke as a result. 

My life re-started after my stroke and I began seeing and feeling the world differently. For example, I lost my short-term memory so people stopped relying on me which freed up space and time that I could spend with myself. I stopped feeling angry because I couldn’t remember what I was mad about which gave me peace and optimism. I realized my auditory and spacial sensitivities were mirroring the symptoms of my autistic clients and friends. Noises were too loud. Places were overwhelming. These heightened senses were all new to me and I was struggling.