Interview
Elizabeth Pirrotta
Drawing on her background as a kindergarten teacher, Elizabeth Pirrotta highlights the voices and achievements of neurodiversity advocates from around the world through printmaking and watercolour painting. Her work celebrates the contributions of neurodivergent individuals while fostering greater awareness and understanding within the community. Let’s celebrate a powerful record celebrating the people who made a difference. Elizabeth also explores her own neurodiversity that celebrate resilience, creativity and strength. As an educator, Elizabeth believes it is essential for the next generation of children to see strong, positive representations of neurodiversity, helping to create a more inclusive society where differences are understood, valued, and celebrated. Art captures history and the people who shape it. Let’s celebrate a powerful record celebrating the people who made a difference.
Portrait Photo of Elizabeth by Photographer Laura Ascoinoe
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I grew up surrounded by art, with my mother, Helen Dean, being an artist herself. I was fortunate to attend a high school with a strong and well-established art curriculum that nurtured and supported my creative practice throughout those years. Art feels woven into my DNA — it has always been at the core of who I am and continues to shape how I see and connect with the world. I am studying at Melbourne Polytechnic where no stone is being left unturned. After integrating visual arts as a kindergarten teacher the overwhelming response from the children's love to delve into painting and the families responses this inspired me to get back into my art practice. Now later in life with my lived experiences I have strong purposes to share about my neurodiversity and celebrating neurodiverse advocates so every kindergarten child I have taught grow up with a strong and powerful representation.”
What inspires you?
“My journey of discovering my Neurodiversity has inspired me to explore it through my art. When I am making art there are no external restrictions placed on me. I thrive having this safe place to express myself, inner thoughts and exploration of Neurodiversity. There are many strong advocates that are coming through the space, advocating celebrating their neurodiversity such as Celeste Barber, Julia Morris, Em Rusciano or advocating for systemic change in the education system Chloe Hayde, Courtney Pemble, Nicole from Sound of the Forest, Graze Tame, Eve ‘Lets Make a Difference,’ Ronan Soussa, Liz Bancroft Hope Affirm Thrive, Dr Ellie Scott-Gray, MyFavouritejo, and also Daniel Giles from Speaking Insights. People make history I am inspired to make a powerful record celebrating the people who made a difference, in Neurodiversity and Mental Health: Reasons to stay - Ben West and Sid Batty just to name a few.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“My art highlights my algorithm social change, systemic change, neurodiversity is my biggest interest of follow. I am currently doing the 100 Day Project by ADHD Australia Official, I am creating art each day for 100 days it started off with no set theme and the aim to post the good and the bad. Now through this project I am reading through Attwood and Garnett Events free informational booklet: ‘How do I know if it's safe to unmask?’ I am making artwork that shows my understanding of 'How do I know if it's safe to unmask?' As a kindergarten teacher and supporting families and children to connect to the right support, with the strong sense of justice in ADHD we really want to create a safer world for the next generation. This is my way that I know I can contribute to give the next generation all that they need and the change that is needed in the world around us. If we just continued to mask and carry on, how are we making systemic change in the workplaces, schools, and the community. Will have workplaces changed by the time the next generation comes through? I am also passionate about highlighting which is shown in the artwork of Daniel Giles from Speaking Insight that everyone is capable and has the right to pursue higher education, careers, volunteer and access everything they desire.”
How would you describe your work?
“Expressive, colourful, layered with symbolism, meaningful, insight to neurodiversity, passionate, example of the strength of hyperfocus and special interests, strong sense of justice. Art gives so many tools, mediums, techniques to give a voice to this burning desire to support others to live the best life they can.”
Which artists influence you most?
“Howard Arkley was always major influence, being an Australian artist his art is vibrant, colourful and he tells a beautiful story of the urban housing landscape of Australia and has made it iconic.”
What is your creative process like?
“I am an ideas person, I get a flood of ideas running through, once I have a idea I like I am in hyperfocus mood. This gives me a lot of energy to produce the work. I do like to draw straight onto the watercolour paper then to sketch out the idea prior to. Once I'm in the flow of producing art it flows like a river. When studying print making, it was exciting for each brief I had many ideas come to mind, I am so excited by my interest that my work is expressive and captures my excitement.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“Life imitates art the artist role is to be themselves, to not have pressure to produce something just for it to be sellable. Almost discover more about yourself and become more comfortable in your own skin through your art process. For Artist who want to take it on, art shapes history and it is the artist job to define in what area can they use their skills and knowledge to really bring something meaningful.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“Brunswick Street Gallery: Fifty by Fifty: two of my artworks will be there: Watercolour painting portrait: Daniel Giles from Speaking Insight and oil painting: Invisible. And Victorian Art Society: 9 by 5 Exhibition: three of my artworks will be there.
Pave the Path: Pave the Path explores how Generation Y Millennials are striving to create safer, more informed pathways for Generation Beta, despite many Millennials — particularly women — experiencing delayed neurodiverse diagnoses. The work reflects on the emotional and social impact of growing up misunderstood, while highlighting a collective determination to transform those challenges into advocacy, awareness, and support for future generations. Through this lens, the piece speaks to resilience, intergenerational care, and the ongoing effort to build a more inclusive future.
Self Portrait: Elizabeth Pirrotta This self-portrait reflects the experience of standing strong against the powerful winds life continually sends your way. Inspired by the artist’s neurodiverse diagnosis, the work explores the journey of learning to find balance, calm, and a deeper sense of self. Through understanding sensory profiles and recognising the importance of personal needs and boundaries, the piece represents growth, self-awareness, and resilience. It captures the transition from feeling challenged by external forces to embracing inner calm and self-acceptance. Neuro Spicy: Neuro Spicy is a playful exploration of language and identity, celebrating the vibrant energy often associated with neurodiversity. The painting reflects the artist’s bubbly, expressive personality and the enthusiasm that emerges when deeply engaged or excited. Frequently told that her energy is something people wish they could ‘bottled up,’ the artist uses this work to highlight the joy, creativity, and vitality that can accompany neurodiverse experiences. The piece challenges deficit-based narratives by presenting neurodiversity as a source of strength, passion, individuality, and joy and having a Neuro Spicy jar in hand to sprinkle happiness for others.”
Instagram: @sunflowerpowered8
