From Autism to Art: How One Zionsville Native Uses Her Gift of Artistry to Overcome Life-Long Disorders

“I don’t want people to emphasize on the ‘angry rage’ characteristic when they think of me as someone who suffers from bipolar disorder and autism,” said Kristen Wise, 22, a Zionsville native who now lives in Lebanon, IN.

The truth is; Kristen is far from the misconceptions that are unfortunately tied to her disorders. She is a true testament to the fact that stereotypes do not always reflect reality. Anyone who has met this intelligent and charismatic young adult would vouch for her mature composure and sincere kindness. 

“I definitely have a positive outlook on my disorders,” she said. “Even though it can be hard dealing with them, there is a bright side to it.” And in her case, a bright side there certainly is.

Finding solace through art

There has always been one form of stability in Kristen’s life: art. From a young age, her artwork was often showcased throughout the halls of Zionsville schools.

Kristen’s mother, Elane explained that painting has always been a soothing release for her daughter.

“It helps her focus on the art and forget about the disorders,” she said.

Kristen’s most recent accomplishment: her artwork being featured in Branches, a hollistic and spiritual based magazine that is published all over the state of Indiana.

“I saw the magazine and it had some really nice artwork on the front,” said Elane. “I read in the magazine that they use artwork from local residents. So I sent them a letter with some pictures of Kristen’s paintings and they jumped on it so fast, it nearly scared me. It was published almost right away, which we were very excited about.” 

To add to the excitement, Branches has shown interest in featuring more of her paintings in the future.

 Kristen’s bipolar disorder causes her to have vivid daydreams, which she then transfers from mind to canvas.

“I’m in a daydreaming state most of my life,” Kristen explained. “The bipolar gives me vivid dreams that I recreate by drawing on an 8x11 piece of paper. Then the autism comes in. Autistic people think of things on a larger scale, so it’s only natural for me to blow up the drawing in my head and paint the exact same thing on a very large canvas.”

Whether through drawing, painting, sculpting, writing or even blogging; Kristen has found a form of relief through creative platforms of outward expression.

“I’m a writer too,” she stated. “I usually write the best poems when I’m depressed.  That’s another way I deal with my bipolar disorder. When it kicks in, I actually use that energy to write poems.”

How she got here

Though Kristen claims the past two years have been the most stable and rewarding so far in her life, she had to fight hard to get here.

“One of the biggest things about disorders is that you have to learn to accept them, and for the longest time I just couldn’t do that,” she said. “The last two years have literally been the best two years of my life and that’s because I went ‘OK, well I accept that I’m this way,’ and trust me, life got so much better after that.”

However Kristen’s fight wasn’t just won by accepting her disabilities; she also had to learn to live with them day to day.

“You have to tame these disorders before you can use them,” she explained.  “Because once upon a time I wasn’t like this, I was a manic mess. But I got it under control.”

Without a doubt, Kristen has used her creative mind to reclaim the bipolar disorder and autism.

“Yes, I think the vivid imagination stems from the bipolar, but autistic people are all geniuses in their own unique way such as mathematics or science, but in my case it’s creativity,” she stated.

It is with this control in mind that she exercises her creativity and takes advantage of the opportunities they give her to express herself.

“If I didn’t have these disorders, I don’t think that I would have ever been able to imagine these things,” she explained. “If I was just a regular person, my life wouldn’t be like this in general. I wouldn’t have this creative genius.”

Her message

Kristen knows better than anyone how to take the good with the bad. By continuing to immerse herself in all facets of creativity, Kristen is refusing to be repressed by the narrow confines that surround her disorders.

Between being highlighted in a publication all around the state, to setting up poetry readings and even baton twirling in the local talent show; Kristen is gradually finding a place in this world, for herself and for her disorders.

“This is my life, my life is about autism and unfortunately bipolar too, but I want people to know they aren’t alone and that they can overcome it,” shared Kristen. “I hope this is inspiration for them.”

If this is the product of one who is in a constant daydream, we should hope for more individuals like Kristen to come.

Support Kristen by following her blog at: lovethatart.blogspot.com and be sure to check out her upcoming events.