Self-portrait taken at the start of the project in Pembrokeshire, Wales. The title Smart Casual and the clothing seen in the photograph reference my lack of understanding surrounding social norms, such as dress codes.
This photograph depicts one of the winning cats at a local Championship Cat Show in 2024.
A guinea pig show, taking place in a small village hall. Bunting from a previous children's birthday party is still visible from the ceiling and a cross is situated in the background for service every Sunday. The inclusion of the cross was deliberate. My interest in religious imagery subtly flows through some of the photographs (such as this one), and the purposeful repetition of these symbols mirrors my own need for repetition in my daily life, something that many people with autism can relate to.
Constructed portrait of my best friend Katie, playing with two stuffed rats. The title of the project Other Joys partly relates to the process of making images like this one – the joy I get from converting ideas that have been stuck in my head for so long into actual photographs is insurmountable.
A taxidermy fox sits on the side as part of a display from the museum Morbitorium in South Wales. Symbols like the repeated crosses and the multiple Jesus imagery reference my own need for consistency and routine.
Double exposure image of a female peacock. This photograph nods to the idea that I, like the image, have multiple layers. As a woman with autism, I manage to mask my autistic traits quite well, perhaps because of how society tells women to be and act or because I realised people prefer me when my traits don't show as much. Subsequently, I am now actively trying not to mask and instead be myself more, which this image alludes to.
Self-portrait, taken at one of the largest personal taxidermy collections in the UK.
Vataha, awarded runner-up at the West of England Bull Terrier Championship Show, March 2024.
A taxidermy kitten with wings in Portsmouth. The shadow created from behind the kitten looks somewhat like a cherub with devil-like horns, reminding me of the time I got called the devil child for being too loud in church. I don't know why, perhaps the person made this association because of my red hair, or maybe because I did not act like the other children next to me.
Self-portrait double exposure, of myself and two pinned butterflies.
Other Joys is a body of work that explores the intensity of my special interests as an autistic woman, through a careful balance of self-portraits, documentary shots and constructed imagery. The feeling that surrounds special interest is almost indescribable. This heavy sensation of warmth, euphoria and excitement is something many in the autistic community can relate to. Consequently, I wanted to make this body of work as a way to communicate that feeling.
While Other Joys was made to shed light on the concept of special interests, the making of it additionally acts as a way for me to understand my autism better. Throughout, the project comments on my own autistic traits, such as my need for rigid routine and my innate ability to constantly mask my autism. Simultaneously, the work nods to the idea that there is still a desperate need for further autistic representation, especially in relation to autistic women.
The process of making these photographs provides me with a safe space to be my true self, allowing me to unmask and experience my autistic joy to the fullest. What was once a fear of being deemed different and unusual has now become a celebration of self-acceptance and understanding.