Autistic artist Clayden Botes has come such a long and inspiring way. From his mom helping him sell his art to simply buy more art supplies, to being in a position where he can auction his work off and help other people with autism—Clayden continues to rise in impact!
Stellenbosch, South Africa (22 March 2024)— Autistic artist Clayden Botes has been an artist since he could pick up a pen. But many years and creations later, his artwork is doing more than just making people smile, it’s making impact for the autistic community too!
Back in 2021, Clayden’s mom, Antoinette, took the initiative to share her son’s world of creations online. At the time, it was an effort to help him afford more art supplies (and continue the craft that brought him so much comfort) and gain exposure that would become imperative in the humble beginnings of his business, Claydens Designs.
Clayden’s art has been so much more than a creative passion or a hobby. For the autistic artist, art time is a ticket to a world where being different is a superpower, where struggling with schoolwork and social skills doesn’t matter, and where Clayden can be himself unapologetically.
In the years since Antoinette’s posts, Clayden’s business has flourished. And now, his artistic career has also blended into beautiful places of impact where he is not only creating safe spaces for himself, but for others on the spectrum.
In wonderful news, Clayden has created a piece set to be auctioned at the 100th Ernie Els Foundation’s annual Golf Day on 5 April where it will be auctioned in Stellenbosch. Funds are set to head to Els For Autism South Africa, a charity whose first line of focus is on helping those with Autism access experiences that marginalise them and coach parents, teachers and support structures in creating a better world for their loved ones on the spectrum.
Seeing Clayden go from a young teen selling a few posters to being the life force behind a booming business and now an artist worth being part of an auction is nothing short of inspiring.
You can support Clayden’s art here.
Sources: GTG; Clayden’s Designs
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