Through Chaos and Toward Clarity: An ADHD Experience
My artistic journey is deeply personal, rooted in my lived experience with ADHD, anxiety, and depression. For much of my life, I struggled with feelings of chaos, impulsivity, and an overwhelming sense of being different. These feelings often left me questioning myself: Why couldn’t I focus? Why did simple tasks feel impossible? It wasn’t until I received my ADHD diagnosis that I finally had answers. This diagnosis became a turning point, allowing me to embrace who I am and channel my experiences into something tangible—art.
Through sculpture, I explore the textures, layers, and unpredictability of the neurodivergent experience. My chosen medium, plaster, mirrors the complexities of my journey. It starts as a malleable, fluid form and solidifies over time, much like my understanding of myself. I incorporate materials like wire, burlap, and plaster gauze to create sculptures that convey the tension between structure and disorder. These works represent both the struggles and strengths that come with neurodiversity. My process is intentionally impulsive, embracing imperfections and spontaneity to reflect the rawness of my experiences.
Inspired by artists such as Anna Wagner, who translates neurodiversity into a visual form, I aim to create work that is both expressive and interactive. My sculptures invite viewers to engage with the textures, shapes, and emotions they evoke. In addition to sculpture, I have created a notebook filled with sketches and thoughts—another layer of vulnerability, offering an intimate look at my journey.
Ultimately, my work is a testament to resilience and self-acceptance. ADHD is not just a label; it is a unique lens through which I see the world. My goal is to foster understanding, challenge perceptions, and provide representation for those who, like me, have felt lost in their own minds. Art has given me a voice, and through my work, I hope to inspire others to embrace their own paths, no matter how winding they may be.
Through my sculptures and creative process, I invite others to see the beauty in neurodiversity. I hope to inspire viewers to appreciate their unique perspectives and find strength in their individuality. By sharing my journey, I aim to build a community of understanding and acceptance, where differences are celebrated as sources of creativity and innovation.
Olivia Kitchen ‘25
Advisor: Marina Mangubi
All images copyright © 2025 Olivia Kitchen. All rights reserved.
