My dog saved my life.

Join artist Lewis and support dog Aya for a unique artist's talk blending animation, storytelling, and lived experience. Lewis shares experiences of growing up queer, non-binary, and neurodivergent, shows their animations, and explores resilience, identity, and inclusion.

With a focus on:

• Personal story of growing up neurodivergent, queer and non-binary.
• Evolution of creative practice and animation work.
• Barriers and opportunities in creative employment.
• Tone: authentic, humorous, reflective — mix of honesty and inspiration.

Lewis started creating story worlds and characters as soon as he could draw.

Lewis will show a selection of animations and images accompanied by Aya the rescue dog who has been an important part of how Lewis survived the difficult years between adolescence and adulthood.
The presentation will include a casual Q&A with Lewis and Aya.

Info: Lewis: " I have lived experience of what it is like to grow up with invisible disabilities, I am nonbinary and on the autism spectrum. Sharing my story with humor and creativity through animation and anecdotes will show others who are struggling with some of the things I have dealt with that they are not alone.

I can empathise with parents of young adults and adolescents and I can also relate to many of the problems of anxiety and depression that adults face as they come to terms with their fate.

We do not grow out of autism or learning disabilities or being queer but as I have managed to survive with the support of my family, my dog and some very special health professionals I think I am in a good place to share some of the ups and downs which a queer person on the autism spectrum who is gifted and learning disabled goes through every day. My ability to share is one way that I can help show there are others out there who share the experience of being disabled and queer.

Also check out other Arts events in Burwood, Health & Wellness events in Burwood.