The point is – Art

by Louisa Adjoa Parker (Weymouth)

Weymouth was the turning point for Martin. Up until 8 years ago, he had been suffering with depression, underachieving, had a string of failed jobs. The point for him is – Art. The Arts turned his life around; since that time he hasn’t looked back.

As a child he was put in a remedial class. A loner, he’d hide away, not speak to anyone. Spent a lot of time fishing, making Meccano models – typical of the era. He thinks today it would be computers.

He desperately wanted to mix, have a girlfriend. He arrived here after years of wandering, settled down. Partly because of the nature of Weymouth; it was welcoming, a bit quirky. He didn’t stand out so much.

He’s now got an MA and a BA in music. It improved his confidence. He was also diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. He’d been on the planet for 34 years without having a clue he was autistic. The Arts gave him permission to be himself.

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What Louisa Adjoa Parker says about The point is – Art:

This story was inspired by talking to Martin, who is involved in the Chapelhay Community Partnership to develop a deprived part of Weymouth into a ‘hub’ of arts, heritage and culture for the community. He has had Aspergers syndrome for most of his life without knowing.