Artist Statement
My work moves between two visual languages: the detailed realism of external observation and the layered abstraction of internal experience. As an autistic artist and neuroscientist, this duality reflects how I perceive the world — through both heightened attention to the natural environment and a deeply felt, nonlinear inner life.
My botanical paintings are rooted in external perception: how the eyes, brain, and attention engage with nature. They explore detail, pattern, and presence through close observation.
In contrast, NeuroConscious Realism emerges from internal states — how sensory input, emotion, and neural activity shape felt experience. These abstract, meditative works arise from stillness and nervous system awareness.
Though visually different, both styles are equally vital. Together, they bridge science and spirit, realism and intuition. Whether painting a leaf or an emotion, I’m always exploring perception — inviting the viewer to sense both the outer and inner worlds, and what exists in between.
— Isel x
Bio
Isel is a neurodivergent artist, neuroscientist, writer, and founder of NeuroConscious Realism — a practice exploring sensory experience, perception, and presence.
Trained at Cumbria College of Art & Design, she first gained recognition for hyper-realistic botanical paintings rooted in external perception: how eyes, brain, and attention engage with nature. These works focus on detailed observation and the subtle beauty of natural patterns.
Before fully dedicating herself to art and writing, Isel spent 20 years working internationally as a neuroscientist studying neural plasticity and consciousness. This background informs her evolving work.
Her NeuroConscious Realism explores internal perception: how sensory input, emotion, and neural states shape experience. These meditative, abstract paintings arise from stillness and nervous system awareness.
Isel’s work bridges science and spirit, intellect and intuition, inviting viewers into a space between outer reality and inner feeling.
She lives in Cumbria with her family, surrounded by nature and animal companions.
