Journey out of Darkness: Autism, Art, and Self-Discovery - Hardcover

by Roy E. Purcell (Author), Patricia Lynne Miller (Author)

Roy Purcell swims through the tumultuous ocean of his unconscious, moving back and forth between it and his conscious mind. Concepts emerge from unexplained depths as images, which have become the basis for many of his paintings in his intriguing body of work. Raised in a loving Mormon family in rural Utah, Mr. Purcell, nevertheless, suffered because of his Aspergers dysfunctional personality. Unable to make social connections, Mr. Purcell retreats to nature and develops the sensitivity that will later open his unconscious. Journey out of Darkness is Mr. Purcells story of how he transcended his patriarchal heritage and Aspergers damaging personality to find peace as an accomplished artist. Critical to his growth and peace is his third wife and soul mate, Beverly, and the desert where they live in Green Valley, Arizona. Furthermore, the autobiography is the universal archetypal quest with Mr. Purcell as the hero who overcomes obstacles and slays the dragons of his troubled personality.

Author Biography

Roy Purcell is an accomplished artist, author, and poet with a profound body of work that testifies to his passion for the world and search for Self. He has published five books, and his commissioned work is found in numerous homes and corporations. His unconscious has been pervasive. Nurtured by the outdoors in central Utah, it grew until his life reflected his true nature. Cursed and blessed with Aspergers Syndrome, he thrived on Army structure and listened to his unconscious as it guided him through the Army, the creation of three regional history museums and, exploration of Mormonism, religious disciplines, Jungian psychology, mythology, and world history on his quest for spiritual and personal identity and growth. He lives with his third wife, Beverly in Green Valley, Arizona. He is the father of eight children and has 22 grandchildren. Those interested in personal and artistic growth, the unconscious and psychology, as well as fascinating archetypal journey will enjoy Journey out of Darkness. Patricia Miller is an authority on the English language. Early in her career she and her husband moved overseas, she to teach second language acquisition and he to serve in the Foreign Service. She has lived in five countries and spoken five languages: Portuguese, Sinhala, Korean, French and Spanish. Furthermore, she has been a teacher, editor, author, language program director, and teacher trainer. Credentials include, a B.A. in English; an M.S in Education, and a Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Linguistics. Organizational membership includes the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, and the National Teachers to Speakers of Other Languages. She and her husband of 54 years reside in the middle of the beautiful desert in Green Valley, Arizona.