An artist with Asperger’s Syndrome is exhibiting the works that have helped him deal with his condition.
David Robinson, of Cowling Brow, Chorley, began painting as a pastime around Christmas 2006.
It was a way of coping with mental health issues during the festive period.
After discovering that he had a natural flair for art, he progressed from watercolours to abstract canvas paintings in 2007.
He said: “I became influenced by the works of L S Lowry after the Oasis hit and the video of The Masterplan.
“Afterwards I began doing industrial landscapes in the style of Lowry and I felt my skills and confidence really took off on the back of those paintings..”
David was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, which is a form of autism, in 2006 at the age of 26.
People with the condition often experience difficulties in basic elements of social interaction, which may include a failure to develop friendships or to seek shared enjoyments or achievements with others.
Some sufferers may even display selective mutism, speaking not at all to most people and excessively to specific people.
Some may choose to talk only to people they like.
David is keen to raise awareness of mental health conditions like his.
He added: “I have other mental health conditions too and I feel that campaigns like Don’t Write Me Off and Time To Change, run by the National Autistic Society and MIND, are positive steps forward towards ending mental health discrimination and the urban myths attached to it.
“I do fear for the future with benefit changes, cuts to benefits and tax rises impacting on the vulnerable in our society.”
“If the Coalition gets it right, it’ll enable those judged as incapable to really fulfil their potential.”
The exhibition runs until January 31 at Chorley Library in Union Street.
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