Connection – It's what makes us tick, lights our fire, and seems to be a necessary ingredient for a happy life. Yet this thing called autism appears to rob so many of this experience, and with the very people they long to connect with most: their children.
I invite you, in this image to hold the idea in your heart, of all children being healthy, whole and perfect, because that's the way God sees each child.
While we do not understand the mystery of autism, we believe there is an answer, and the angel is holding the blue puzzle piece, the symbol for autism, because we know there is an answer.
With all of us sharing the vision, seeing all children as valuable and necessary in the puzzle called autism, I believe the answer can be found – that "Divine" piece will fit.
I invite us not to "wage a war" against autism. I invite us to continue to love, to pray, and to continue to explore how we create what we want as a result – a world where autism becomes a known and treatable condition.
The little boy in the foreground of the picture is holding a red puzzle piece. He represents the earthly element, and the angel holds the Divine gift — the piece that fits. Heaven and earth can move together to solve the puzzle.
The three little pots of sprouted seeds represent the Trinity; butterflies around the angel are about transformation. The mobile of birds has a white dove, which symbolizes the purity and innocence of children. Overall, this a happy image of the result we want: children connecting and working together, which is what we're doing in this endeavor ourselves.
When we unite in faith toward a common goal, and work from love, we can find an answer. With God, all things are possible.
—Susan Rios
Susan Rios is a nationally renowned artist that works from her home studio in Glendale, California where she lives with her two dogs, Benny and June. Many aspects of her world are portrayed in her paintings–her daughter Olivia, granddaughter Rosie, collectibles of tea cups, teapots, the seashore, and beautiful flowers. Her work reflects the coziness of home, taking the viewer for a stroll in a garden, sitting down for a cup of tea, or taking a long overdue rest in a quiet place. She sees her paintings as metaphors for a state of mind. People often tell Susan that they love living with her paintings, because it makes them feel happy, or peaceful, or calm. Susan says that it is her deliberate intent to make the viewer feel a sense of peace.
Susan is largely a self-taught artist who pays attention to detail in her work. She knew as a young child that she enjoyed art. She has always had a love of the outdoors which evokes many of the scenes in her paintings. A painter of emotions and feelings, Susan creates familiar scenes that exude peace, harmony and romance. Images of cozy interiors, lush floral gardens and soothing seashores uplift the senses and the spirit. The children portrayed in her paintings have an expression of innocence on each little face.
A professional artist for 30 years, Susan spent her early years as a floral designer. She discovered blending flowers was similar to mixing colors on a palette. She started out selling some of her early paintings at sidewalk sales. To this day, flowers are an ever-present motif in many of her paintings, as are other favorite things; wicker chairs, loveseats covered with afghans and pillows, bits of lace, china cups and teapots. Susan prefers to paint in acrylics because they dry quickly, allowing her to catch a little moment in time and then share it with others.
Susan is very involved in causes that touch her heart. She supports many charities in Southern California. She most recently painted a special piece to support breast cancer research. Susan would like to be known as the "charity artist"; and through her paintings she makes a difference by giving back and in turn helps the world to be a better place.
Many noted collectors and celebrities have added Susan's paintings to their private collections such as Jane Seymour, Priscilla Presley, Phyllis George, Ann Gillian, Sandy Duncan, Shelley Fabres, Andre Agassi, Mr. and Mrs. Brian Wilson, and Mr. and Mrs. Walter Mathau. Laura Bush also has one of Susan's paintings in her private collection, which hangs in the White House.
Susan states, "Through my creativity, I want to be a prosperous wellspring of Love, Beauty, Inspiration, and Magic. My art is my channel of expression and I want to joyfully express and inspire myself and others."
A word from the executive director of Nova:
It is my pleasure to have met Susan personally and spend time with her in her home in California. She is a delightful lady who is as genuine and kind as anyone you would ever meet. She has a heart of gold and is the most caring woman who wants to give back to the world and make a difference for mankind through her art. I am blessed to have several pieces of her work in my home. Susan has given of her time and talent by painting "Making the Pieces Fit", at no charge to our agency, to bring awareness to autism and allow Nova to raise funds to support our programs. Thank you Susan for your generosity!
—Connie Cline