John Carney
Throughout my life, I have dealt with many hurdles as an individual on the
autistic spectrum while simultaneously striving to improve upon my
artistic skills at the same time. Overcoming the challenges associated with
autism while pursuing a life as an artist is a journey defined not by “fixing”
who you are, but by learning how to understand your own mind and
harness its unique strengths. Many autistic artists discover that the very
traits that once made them feel different—intense focus, deep imagination,
sensitivity to detail, and strong emotional perception—become powerful
creative tools. I can relate to this feeling, since I have struggled to
reconcile my worldview with that of the people around me since I had
difficulties connecting with my peers. Art can serve as a language when
spoken words feel limiting, allowing feelings, ideas, and experiences to
flow freely onto canvas, paper, or screen. Instead of viewing autism as a
barrier, it can be embraced as a distinctive lens through which the world is
seen and expressed.
For autistic individuals, becoming an artist often means building
confidence in their voice and trusting their perspective, even when it
differs from others. Challenges such as sensory overload, social
misunderstandings, or self-doubt may still arise, but creativity provides a
grounding force and a path toward self-advocacy. Many find that through
art they not only communicate more clearly with others but also better
understand themselves. In this way, the artistic journey becomes more than
a career or hobby—it becomes a personal triumph, a declaration that
difference is not a limitation, but a source of originality, depth, and beauty.
Ultimately, my experiences as both an autistic individual and an artist have
shown me that growth does not come from changing who I am, but from
learning how to work with who I already am. Each challenge I’ve faced
has contributed to a deeper understanding of myself and has shaped the
way I create and interpret art. While difficulties with communication and
social connection have sometimes made the world feel distant, art has
consistently provided a bridge—allowing me to translate internal
experiences into something tangible and meaningful. Moving forward, I
see my differences not as obstacles to overcome, but as essential parts of
my identity that continue to influence my creative voice and strengthen my
ability to express what words alone cannot fully capture.
Resume
EDUCATION
Currently pursuing Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Art Education at University of Maryland
● Graduated 2026
University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 2023-2026
Anne Arundel Community College, Arnold, MD, 2019- 5/26/2022
● Associates Degree in Studio Arts (8/2021)
● Art History/ Museum Studies (12/2021)
● Graphic Design (5/2022)
● Communications (2022)
● Media Production and Film Studies (2023)
● Relevant courses: Over 24 art and theater courses including, but not limited to, Two-
Dimensional Design, History of
● Western Art 1, History of Western Art 2, 3D Game Graphics, and Play Production; Anne
Arundel Community College,
● Arnold, MD
2015 – 2019 – Southern High School, Harwood, MD
RELATED EXPERIENCE
2022 – Deck Chief at Pascal Center for Performing Arts, Anne Arundel Community College,
assisting with light construction, overseeing painting, and building stage decks
2019 – Participated in and had art piece, “Becoming the Mask I Wear”, put in the Many Ways of
Seeing Exhibition at Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, MD
2/7/2019 – 5/21/2019 – After School Volunteer, Southern High School Art Department, Harwood,
MD
2/7/2019 – 5/21/2019 – Sculpted and painted art to be used in several courses at Southern High
School
2/7/2019 – 5/21/2019 – Assisted in setting up art pieces to be shown in displays at Southern
High School
2015 – 2019 – Office assistant , Aqua Plus Plumbing
2015 – 2019 – Worked sporadically as a helper in general handyman work and landscaping as
opportunities arose, along with performing various tasks like labor work and drain cleaning
2018 – Gave testimonial for Special Olympics MD to increase awareness/ support Special
Olympics
2012 – Guest speaker for RDI, Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) National Convention,
Denver, Colorado and volunteer for Betty Adkins- Autism Specialist, Prince George’s County
2012 – 2019 – Shared RDI experiences and how it helped me adapt, as well as relate to people
without autism through lectures and a video production by PG County School System
SKILLS
Arts:
● Sculpting
● Painting
● Drawing
● Fabrication
● Digital Media
John Carney
5840 Solomons Island Rd, Tracy’s Landing, MD 20779 (301) 408-9214
jaycar51520@gmail.com
Technical:
● Writing
Intermediate knowledge of American Sign Language
● Typing 35 words per minute,
● Expertise with Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe
Illustrator, Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Audition, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Acrobat, Maya
Practical:
● moderate construction knowledge
● design experience
● facility maintenance
HONORS
Southern High School, Harwood, MD, 2015-2019
2019 – Art was displayed at Walters Art Museum in Baltimore as part of “Many Ways of Seeing”
2015 – 2019 – Grades 9 -12 – Tennis, Bowling, Bocce- Received Letterman in each sport at
Southern High School
2017 – 2018 – Awarded Barnes and Noble Essay Contest at Southern High School
Other
2008 – 2010 – Received rank of red belt in Hapmudo at Yung Sung Lee Hapmudo Studios