Nathan Nankervis: Turning Limitations into Inspiration
In a world that often emphasizes standardized success and uniform achievements, it's essential to celebrate individuals who have harnessed their limitations and difficulties to create something extraordinary. Nathan Nankervis is one such inspiring figure, a person who exemplifies the values and choices we aim to promote at Life Goals Psychology. Through his unique journey, Nathan offers a powerful message of hope and resilience for adolescents facing similar struggles, demonstrating that with determination, one can discover their passion, work with limitations, and reach their full potential.
A Visual Perspective on Life:
Nathan's story begins with a distinctive view of the world. He openly shares, "I've never read a book from start to finish. I get frustrated and uninterested, having to read over the same page again and again with none of the information sticking." Nathan's experience is not uncommon among young people who grapple with various learning difficulties and cognitive impairments. However, it is how he channeled this perspective into his art that sets him apart.
From a young age, Nathan recognized his affinity for visual expression. He explains, "Being a visual person, I see the letters as just differently shaped black squiggles, which is why I think I organically got into making letters of the alphabet more interesting through my art." This profound self-awareness allowed him to capitalize on his strengths rather than dwelling on his weaknesses.
Early Influences and a Creative Family:
Nathan's upbringing played a pivotal role in shaping his artistic journey. With parents who encouraged his creative pursuits, he found a nurturing environment for his talents. He recalls, "Growing up, my parents would work late, so I had a lot of freedom." His earliest influences came from video games and cartoons that he avidly watched, inspiring his passion for digital art.
Nathan's father's work laptop, with Microsoft Paint installed, became his canvas. He became comfortable with digital tools and honed his skills as he spent hours immersed in his creations. His mother's creativity further fueled his artistic fire, as she crafted quilts, clothing, and even teddy bears. Her unique perspective on life, viewing everything as alive, left a lasting impression on Nathan and influenced his artistic vision.
Living Life through a Unique Lens:
Nathan's mother's habit of seeing life as if everything were alive left a profound impact on him. He fondly remembers her saying, "He belongs back in his home, doesn't he, Nathan?" when she caught him doing chores just minutes before she returned home. Her perspective inspired him to view life from a similar lens, which ultimately gave birth to his iconic face motifs.
To convey his unique perspective through his art, Nathan started giving his works mouths and eyes. These features allow viewers to connect with his creations, fostering a sense of life and vitality in each piece. In doing so, he invites audiences to see the world through his eyes and appreciate the beauty in the unconventional.
Nathan Nankervis' journey is a testament to the power of embracing one's limitations and harnessing them to create something extraordinary. His story serves as an inspiration for adolescents facing similar challenges, demonstrating that they too can find their passion, work with their limitations, and reach their full potential.
At Life Goals Psychology, we believe in helping young people discover who they are and guiding them to overcome cognitive impairments and limitations through overcompensatory strategies. Nathan's remarkable journey exemplifies the transformative impact of resilience and determination, inspiring adolescents to turn their challenges into opportunities and find their unique path to success.
Christine Halden
Director/Psychologist at Life Goals Psychology
