My Life as a Visual Snow Artist
It’s been ten years since I discovered that the visual phenomena I’ve experienced as long as I can remember has a name - Visual Snow Syndrome. For most of my life, I thought everyone saw the world the way I did: covered in a constant overlay of tiny flickering dots, shimmering patterns, and subtle repetitions that never switch off. Learning that this was a recognised neurological condition gave me a new lens through which to understand my own perception and the art that grew from it.
Living in a World of Patterns
Visual Snow Syndrome is a neurological condition where persistent visual “static” overlays everything in the field of vision. For me, it’s more than tiny dots; it’s a continuous, dynamic tapestry of shapes and textures, present 24 hours a day, even when my eyes are closed. Having grown up with it, I’ve always perceived the world through this continuous layer of patterns, which naturally guides how I notice the hidden structures in nature and design.
I’m fascinated by patterns at every scale. At the microscopic level, the crystalline formations of minerals, the branching of neurons, and the fractal geometries of plant structures reveal a complexity that often goes unnoticed. From above, landscapes take on a similar hypnotic quality: the curves of river systems, the patchwork of agricultural fields, and the network of streets in cities all mirror the rhythms my eyes perceive constantly. These repetitions and symmetries feed directly into my artistic practice.
The Meditative Practice of Creating Patterned Art
Painting large, pattern focused works is deeply meditative for me. Each mark, shape, or layer reflects the continuous visual symphony I experience. The act of repetition allows me to channel what might otherwise feel chaotic into something harmonious and controlled. It’s not simply about reproducing what I see. It’s about translating the constant interplay of dots, flashes, and textures into a tactile, visual form that others can engage with.
Why I Paint Patterns
The connection between Visual Snow and my attraction to patterns is natural. When your world is overlaid with a continuous stream of visual motifs, it shapes how you notice, interpret, and respond to design. I am drawn to repetition and structure not by chance, but by necessity and painting patterns is how I make sense of the visual energy that surrounds me. It’s calming, it’s intuitive, and it’s intrinsic to how I perceive the world.
Sharing a Unique Perspective
Being open about my Visual Snow experience allows me to contribute to a growing conversation about perception and creativity. There are few artists publicly discussing how this neurological condition influences their work, and I hope this post encourages others to explore the intersections of perception, pattern, and expression. By articulating how Visual Snow informs my art, I want to make it discoverable for collectors, designers, and art enthusiasts searching for artists working with this perspective.