For Rachard art is not simply a means for expression but it has given him an identity and helped him to share his journey of being diagnosed with autism and its challenges. This gifted artist has used techniques that he learned in art classes in his dazzling creations. Rachard has created hundreds of works of art using different methods like pencil sketching, water color, ink-well pen drawing, acrylic and oil painting. His work in “word art” (creating art with words) is praised widely. His first word art project is a 9/11 drawing. He created this drawing to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attack. Names of all who lost their lives on 9/11 are forever remembered in this piece. Rachard also mentors a special group of friends at the Autism Society. Aside from being creative, he loves to watch movies and spend quality time with his family.

What role does art play in your life? Which is your own favorite creation?R: Art is very important to me because it helps me focus and shows how I feel about things happening in the world. People know me because of my work and that opens the door for me to share my story about being diagnosed with autism and dealing with it's challenges.
One of my favorite creations is the self-portrait. It was a school project. I found objects from around the house and bought some from the store. I filled the drawing of myself in by gluing buttons, bottle tops, sticks, pine cone petals and toy soldiers onto a white board. The result was a 3-D effect. It was selected for exhibit in Dallas, TX for two years and is now on display at the Cameron Museum of Art in Wilmington, NC.

Can you tell us more about your 9/11 artwork? How long did it take you to finish this work?R: This form of drawing is called word art. I finished four pieces commemorating the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attack. I used the names of all the victims who died in the attack to shape the Twin Towers, Pentagon, Fire Engine and the Patrol Car. I worked on these pieces for one year.

Who is your favorite artist? Which of his/her artwork you love the most?R: Alex Ross is my favorite artist because he wrote and drew the covers for Batman, Spider-Man and Superman superheroes in the Marvel comics. He also worked on special comic books and donated the funds to the families of those who died in the 9/11 attack. He drew portiats of paramedics, police and firefighters. I really like all of his superhero characters.

what are your other hobbies?R: When I'm not working at Foodlion or doing artwork, I like going to Books-A-Million. I also like going to the movies. I just saw Black Panther and it was good. I especially like Chadwick Boseman and Angela Bassett. The movie had lots of action and special effects.

What do you like to do when you are with your family/friends?R:  I like hanging out with my family. Especially when my step-father throws one of his partys or has a cook out. I have some great friends at the Autism Society. I go there once a week to draw and paint. Some of the members there are interested in art and usually want to see what I'm working on.

Any special message for our community?R: I want my community to know how glad I am to have it's support. I want to encourage people with autism to be confident in themselves. We have a lot of talent and we have to keep working hard to let people know we have a lot to give.