Can you tell us more about you and what you do?

Aisha is an artist with autism. 

She was diagnosed with autism when she was two, and she's considered on the severe end of the spectrum because she communicates a little differently and like things just so. Aisha thrives on order and routine—it’s just her thing! But here’s the cool part: I have a knack for art, crafts, and even baking. That’s where CatBee comes in! It’s the name I use for all my handmade creations. From colorful canvases and custom T-shirts to decorated notebooks, cement pots, and more, every piece is made with love and care.

Through CatBee, my goal is to share my art while also spreading awareness and acceptance for the special needs community.Come follow my journey on Instagram and Facebook @iamcatbee.

Since Aisha expresses herself in ways beyond words, the following interview answers on her behalf.

Every artwork tells a story. What inspired your cover design, what narrative or message are you conveying through your cover design, and can you share the creative process that led to its final form?

Aisha has always loved doodling and colouring—it’s part of her daily routine. In early 2022, she became totally obsessed with drawing monsters. We’re talking hundreds of quirky, three-eyed, toothy beasts!It started with animal monsters, but soon there were fruit, veggie, and insect monsters. She even dreamed up monsters inspired by random objects like sailboats, watering cans, and sweets. That’s how the first series “Anything Monsters” came to life—because literally anything can be a monster in Aisha’s world! "The Monster Zoo" is the extension of this series focusing on animals and insect monsters.

How does creativity connect to self-expression for you?

Aisha is an instinctive and temperamental artist guided by emotions. Her creative impulses does not always manifest themselves in conventional idea of artistic expression. She is in a world of her own and we can only guess at what her thought processes are. What is observable is that certain emotions drives her to these artistic output.

How do you define your individuality as an artist, and in what ways does this uniqueness manifest in your creations?

Realistic speaking, we can only guess what she is thinking and feels. Being a person with autism, she has unique brain processes that realise such whimsical and fantastical creatures.

In your perspective, what role does creativity play in empowering individuals and communities, and how have you witnessed this power in action?

Creative expression is a safe space for Aisha. It is an activity that gives her some sense of control of the environment and her artistic output. It remains an enigma to us.

Have you faced any challenges in maintaining your individuality in your work, especially in the face of trends or external expectations? How did you overcome them?

What goes on in her head remains an enigma to us.

What advice would you give to emerging artists who are trying to find and express their individuality through their work?

I wish Aisha could express herself to offer advice.

What’s the one thing you want to accomplish this year?

On behalf of Aisha, as someone who sees the magic in her work, we hope to create awareness of a different kind of art, which begs unconventional appreciation and responses. I feel it's a refreshing departure from the world of fine or graphic art.

Where can we see more of your work?

Visit her website at www.catbee.world and her instagram page @iamcatbee