Creativity has no limits. Maranda has validated this statement. Her Asperger’s syndrome never came between her artistic, poetic and spiritual side. She has won several awards and honors for her writing and artwork. Her painting “Boxy Giraffe” was featured in the Autism Artism 2015 art exhibit at Territorial Vineyards in Eugene, OR. Her picture book, “Ode to Icky“, was chosen as a pick for the 2013 KART Kids Book List Awards!

You are multi-talented - “artist, author, spiritual seeker and poet”? Which talent defines you the best?M: The answer to that would probably vary from day to day. I tend to go in cycles. For instance, I will be become obsessed with art for a while, then writing, then poetry, etc. I think part of this is the "Aspie obsession" part of me. Lately I have been most into various forms of collage and naive artwork (art purposefully made with a child-like flair). I haven't been writing much lately, but I'm sure I will come back to that at some point.

Which is your favorite piece of work and why?M: Hmmm, that is a hard one, it is kind of like picking favorite children. However, if I had to pick, I would probably pick certain poems that were written about people I love dearly who have passed away. Because those people are dear to me in my memories, writing about them and those memories is especially precious. I would say after that, anything that inspires or touches others would be my favorites.

Can you tell us more about your eBook series “Stories Behind My Art”?M: Sure, I started that series, just as a way to put some of my artworks together and explain what inspired each artwork. I see the "Stories Behind My Art" ebook series as a way to share my growth both as an artist and as a person. For me, writing and publishing books has never been about money or success, it is simply a way for me to communicate with others and share my world and experiences, since that is often hard for me to do in person.

Do you think an artist’s soul reflects in her art?M: I believe so, at least as long as they are creating from within and not because they think a certain thing will sell or become popular. Many people try to emulate what is "hip" or "in" at the moment instead of creating what they really want to create. I find that sad and try not to fall into that trap.

Who is your favorite artist and why?M: My favorite visual artist is Vincent Van Gogh. I also really like Wassily Kandinsky because he shares my love for naive artistic styles and my interest in the innate creativity found in children. My favorite writers/poets are Edgar Allan Poe and Emily Dickinson, probably because I tend to like darker writing that explores the psyche of human beings.

What is your favorite activity?M: This probably won't be very exciting, but either reading or watching my favorite channels on YouTube. I love going to the movies and listening to music as well. I also collect toys (especially vintage ones) and make YouTube videos about that and other things for fun.

What is something that you wish for?M: That human beings would start being kind to one another and work together. Also, that pain and suffering in its many forms would be eradicated (an impossible wish, but I still wish it).

Who is your inspiration?M: The artists and writers who I already mentioned and some of my favorite musicians (I love Michael Jackson and Nirvana especially). Pretty much anyone who is brave, creative or exceptionally kind is inspiring to me. Some others off the top of my head would be Tim Burton, Johnny Depp, Walt Disney and Jim Henson. My loved ones also inspire me in many ways, even if it is just in giving me stories to share.

How can art play an important role for our special children?M: I think art can be healing and therapeutic to anyone, however, I think it can especially be helpful to those who have trouble communicating in other ways. It can be a way to get those feelings out and share them with others. It is a form of soul connection that I believe we all crave at some level.

Any special message for our community?M: Be yourself and create what you like to create. Don't worry about if others think it is "good" or not, because art will always be a very subjective thing and everyone has different tastes and ideas about what makes art valuable. If the idea of "making art" stresses you out, think of it as play instead. Experiment, try new things and see what you come up with. You might surprise yourself.

Enjoy Maranda's favorite artwork - 'Facing the Storm' which is done in ink and colored pencil. The main reason this drawing is one of her favorites is because for her it signals strength in the face of adversity.