Turning Negatives into Positives: The Autistic Pencil Artist Chris Baker

Hello, my whimsical wanderers! ✨🌲

On a recent trip to the bustling Christmas markets in Cardiff, Matt and I stumbled upon a little treasure trove of talent tucked away in one of the sheds. Inside, we found the most extraordinary artwork—detailed pencil portraits that seemed almost alive. But it wasn’t just the art that captured us; it was the story behind the artist, Chris Baker, a young man from Cardiff who’s turning heads and flipping perceptions.

Chris is a self-taught pencil artist with a gift that could only be described as remarkable. Diagnosed with Asperger’s, his journey is a testament to what happens when someone is allowed to focus on their passions and play to their strengths. When Chris wasn’t thriving in the traditional school system, his parents made a bold and brilliant choice: instead of forcing academics, they asked him one simple question, “What do you want to do for a living?”

Chris’s answer was clear and full of ambition: “I want to be an artist.”

From that moment, he devoted two years to honing his craft. His parents’ faith in him was rewarded when he presented them with incredibly detailed works of art that showcased his astonishing skill. But here’s the twist—Chris doesn’t just draw detailed portraits of famous people and movie characters; he also creates art in negative.

Yes, you read that right. Chris’s unique brain wiring allows him to draw pieces that come to life when viewed through a phone camera’s negative filter. This genius approach adds an entirely new dimension to his art. It’s not just a clever technique; it’s a metaphor for Chris’s philosophy: “In every negative, there’s a positive.”

At the market, we had the pleasure of meeting Chris’s lovely father Stu Baker, who shared this inspiring story with us. Matt couldn’t resist supporting Chris’s work and bought a signed negative Darth Maul print. It will go on the wall, and every time we look at it, as a family of manu autistic individuals ourselves we’re reminded of the incredible possibilities that come with embracing who you are.

Chris’s talent hasn’t gone unnoticed. He’s met numerous stars along his journey and is even planning an exhibit in Las Vegas. His story is more than just about art—it’s about resilience, passion, and the power of carving your own path, especially when the world tries to fit you into a mold that doesn’t work for you.

To anyone out there who feels like they don’t fit in because their skillset is different: take a page out of Chris Baker’s book. Embrace it. Lean into what makes you unique, because your perspective might just be the spark the world needs.

So, if you ever find yourself wandering through Cardiff, keep an eye out for Chris Baker’s work. Trust me, it’s worth the detour.

Interview with Sam & Stu Baker https://youtu.be/5VbJvo3g-D8?si=1Wb2zg8O_izDZzIR 

cjbart.com 

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Check my insta for a video viewing of the negative Darth Maul ✨

Stay whimsical,

Miss Whimsy xx