AN ARTIST with autism has been creating colourful works while in isolation to brighten up NHS staff rooms and the homes of vulnerable people.

Emy Spinks is a member of the Blueberry Academy which works with people with learning difficulties, and has continued to meet her support worker India Pierson during the lockdown.

Angela Taylor, from the Academy, said Emy and India had had sole use of Blueberry’s pop-up shop in Micklegate as it was important for Emy to have her own space to be creative and follow her routine.

India said the calm environment had been a positive experience. Emy, 24, has profound autism and is non-verbal, but repeats words and has been communicating more, said India.

“Because it is quieter, she is using more words and speaking more. I have seen a huge improvement in her. She is marking cards and writing in them.”

Emy’s artworks and cards include city landmarks, cartoon characters and a VE Day commemoration.

“She knows York and can draw most parts without seeing any prompts,” said India. “She also uses my phone and Pinterest and scrolls through. The pictures always come out in Emy’s own quirky style.”

India put out a call on Facebook for people who might like to receive Emy’s artwork and they have sent pieces to care homes, York Hospital, people self-isolating and school children.

“We have lots of her artwork and she likes to see the process of it going to people rather than it stacking up. Posting packages is a massive part of Emy’s routine. It is the interaction and has definitely helped. She would have struggled more if there was nowhere for her art to go.”

Residents in Emy’s home village of Cawood have also put her pictures up in windows, to her delight. “We have had a few cards back from children and elderly people who are self-isolating. I think she has a lot more pride in her work. It is more meaningful.”

Emy has her own Facebook and Etsy page at emyspinksartsandprints

To receive artwork by Emy contact India at ipierson@blueberryacademy.co.uk