Art, neurodivergence and self-discovery – with Nick Heaney

Nick Heaney is a resident artist and co-founder of Artnova Gallery in Chatham, Massachusetts. Nick has always found art to be his most authentic way of connecting with the world around him. He was diagnosed with dyslexia during elementary school. He struggled with written language, but found a connection through art. Nick went on to study graphic design and fine art, earning a BFA in graphic design from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. 

At the age of 26, Nick came out as gay to his friends and family. However, he still felt a sense of disconnect with the people around him, which led to a deeper struggle with his mental health. At the age of 28, Nick sought an autism evaluation which resulted in diagnoses of both autism and ADHD.

During this episode, you will hear Nick talk about:

• What was it like growing up with dyslexia
• His early artistic talents at a young age
• What inspires his artwork today
• His experience of coming out as gay to his family, discovering his autism and ADHD, and finding supportive communities
• The story behind how he co-founded his art gallery

Find out more about Nick and his work on his Instagram @nickheaneyart and on Artnova Gallery's website and Instagram.

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.

Read the episode transcript.

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*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*