We had the pleasure of speaking with Nefrit El-Or for our neurodivergent artist series. Here’s what we learned.
Nefrit’s journey as an artist is one marked by intense emotions, unfiltered experiences, and a deep connection to her internal world. Since she was not diagnosed with neurodivergence in her childhood, Nefrit experienced the world with a heightened intensity that made her feel alienated from the rest of the human race. This intensity found its outlet when she turned to creating music. The music had no deep meaning, but she liked the joy of creating. However, the world of music and stage performance intersected with the very things her neurodivergence shied away from: lights, noise, busyness, and perhaps the worst of all: pretending and hiding her internal self instead of being authentic.
Art, in all its forms, comes naturally and effortlessly to Nefrit. Her passion was not confined to one medium; she wanted to explore everything all at once. This insatiable curiosity sometimes led to feeling overwhelmed by the multitude of choices. However, her dedication to expressing herself never waned.
Nefrit’s journey took a significant turn when she faced the challenge of balancing her passion for creating with parenting. The loss of free time and enough time to spend exploring her rich mental world led her into a period of depression. Yet, it was in this adversity that she rediscovered art. Art became a means of coping, a lifeline that helped her reconnect with her inner self. It also became her driving purpose. If she could detangle the concepts in her kaleidoscope brain and put them down on paper, then she could begin to change the world for others. She grew up feeling alone, other, failing, and different but not in a good way. Her unique way of writing gives voice to the feelings many neurodivergent people experience but cannot put into words.
Sharing her words and art is now a source of inspiration for others. Nefrit’s ability to articulate her struggles and emotions offers solace and language to those facing similar battles. Her neurodivergence, while presenting unique challenges, also infuses her work with a distinctive intensity and perspective. This has shaped her creative process, allowing her to see and convey the world in a way that resonates deeply with her audience.
Nefrit’s artistic process is immersive and deeply personal. She dives into the emotions and thoughts she wishes to express, using various techniques tailored to the medium she is working with. The sensory input and overwhelming feelings that come with being neurodivergent are navigated with resilience, turning challenges into powerful creative expressions and vehicles of change.
At the core of her creations are messages of triumphing over internal struggles from the incongruity of the harshness of the world and the respite for all that it should be, healing and acceptance. Her art reflects a desire to heal herself and others, providing a reason and a way for people to navigate their own journeys.
Recurring themes in Nefrit’s work include healing, acceptance, and the battle cry that infuses bravery into those struggling to be themselves in a world they don’t quite fit into. These themes are not just artistic choices but reflections of her own life experiences and the empathy she extends to others. Her neurodivergence has given her unique perspectives and experiences that enrich her art. While it brings challenges, it also offers the profound ability to understand and empathize with others’ struggles.
Children and life experiences serve as her greatest inspirations. They drive her creativity and infuse her art with genuine emotion and insight. Currently, Nefrit is working on a blog and music project, and she plans to finish her book, which will be used to both tell her story and to advocate for others. Her advice to aspiring artists is to use their unique voices and experiences to create meaningful art. She believes that one’s struggles and triumphs are the greatest assets in creating impactful and authentic art.
Nefrit advocates for a more inclusive world for neurodivergent individuals. She believes that inclusivity comes from being educated, open-minded, and continuously learning. Understanding and acceptance are crucial for creating a supportive environment.
In sharing her journey, Nefrit hopes to inspire others to use their voices and experiences to create and advocate. She believes that art is a powerful tool for healing and connection and that everyone has something valuable to share. Her story is a testament to the beauty and fluidity of neurodivergence, how even the darkness can lead to light and become something beautiful, and how important it is for other neurodivergent people to be able to access artists who understand them.
Listen to Parasite by Nefrit El-Or below:
Find Nefrit on her official website, Medium, and YouTube.
