PROJECT ONWARD

Louis DeMarco b. 1985, Chicago, IL

Louis DeMarco is a gifted artist, musician, designer, and writer, whose autism can be viewed both as a cause of torment and as the source of his creative inspiration. Since joining Project Onward in 2005, Louis has developed multiple creative strategies for describing and coping with the vicissitudes of his own mind. Inventing the island of Loudemar is one such strategy: an imaginary place of safety centered round an impenetrable fortress that is guarded by an array of Protectors. More than a fantasy of escape, Loudemar is a place of hope and creativity that represents the artist's best self.

But even in this self-made paradise, storms are on the horizon, and Louis painstakingly catalogues the "clouds" that appear above him when neuroses, fears, and other "bad states" overtake him. More recently, his "Words to Live By" series features bold text on a partly cloudy background. These signs attempt to help Louis remain positive and exercise self-control in difficult situations. Louis is also an accomplished bass player for the rock band DHF Express, fronted by fellow Project Onward artist Adam Hines. "At Project Onward, I draw and sometimes paint. I can paint if I want to. I've been drawing pictures of Loudemar, which is my mythological kingdom, with a fortress on an island, a pyramid, a tree house, plenty of other islands, and some protectors." He adds, "I love making art. It's sort of a mystery why I love it, but I love it."