Art Without Borders
Autistic artist Alex Baldwin updates us on his continuing mission to share his art across the globe...
In 2020, we penned an article all about Wirral-based autistic artist Alex Baldwin, and his inspiring mission to share his artwork with the world. Back then, Alex set himself a bold challenge: to try and send his drawings to every country on the planet!
Today, that mission is still very much alive and growing in new and exciting ways…
Making more portable drawings
Alex began his creative journey through larger canvas paintings, but soon discovered a love for drawing and colouring using pencils on card. Not only did this make his artwork easier to transport across the globe, but it also meant he could create anywhere, often in cafés and community spaces where staff and customers loved to watch his colourful designs take shape.
Each piece takes Alex around two to three days to complete. Inspired by the country his work is headed to, he researches local landmarks and wildlife, then reimagines them through his own unique lens using bright colours, abstract shapes and playful interpretations that make his style instantly recognisable.
Spreading joy, one drawing at a time
At first, Alex aimed for one piece per country, but now his focus is broader. He loves knowing that his work is appearing in multiple corners of the world, gifted to locals or left in meaningful places. All Alex asks in return is a simple photo of where his drawing ended up – a snapshot of his art in its new home.
This mission has brought unexpected connections. With the help of his friend Adam, Alex’s artwork has reached celebrities including the singer Paul Young, dancer and choreographer Ashley Banjo, and singer/songwriter Nina Nesbitt.
But, just as meaningful are the countless travellers to distant shores – those friends and colleagues who carry his drawings to far-flung destinations and share stories of the people they meet along the way.
“It feels like I’m a movie character on a mission,” Alex says. “Each drawing is a part of me that stays in that country.”
Community, connection, and purpose
For Alex, this isn’t just about art, it’s about purpose. As an autistic adult, he can be hypersensitive to noise and crowds; but his mission encourages him to socialise, meet new people and view the world through their experiences. He loves hearing about the holidays and adventures of those who deliver his artwork, being especially keen to see their photos with his drawings, and what backdrops they chose to display them alongside and, ultimately, who they gifted the drawings to.
Through volunteering at Liverpool One Church, Alex has seen his drawings travel to Belgium, France, and Japan. His colleagues at his full-time job as a Customer Service Agent have taken them to Rome and Mexico. Meanwhile, his long-standing connection with Autism Together – where he once attended children’s services and now often visits our community cafés and head office – has helped him send artwork as far afield as South Africa, New Zealand and Thailand.
Alex often visits Autism Together’s Café in Bromborough Pool Village, where he feels supported and understood to grab a drink and snack whilst working on his drawings. Surrounded by staff and other autistic people, he finds comfort and friendship, along with people to help complete more missions for him!
The tools of the trade
When making his artworks, Alex keeps things simple: white card and pencils, plus biro pens for outlining and detail. What sets his work apart is not the materials but the imagination he pours into them – researching destinations and then reshaping them with his own creative flair and colour choices.
The reach Alex has achieved through his ‘missions’ is extraordinary. Using an app called Skratch, Alex tracks every mission, pinning photos from people who have carried his drawings to new places. Each dot on the map is another step towards his goal.
What’s next for Alex’s mission?
Alex has no intention of stopping his project anytime soon. “I’ll keep creating until I can’t do it anymore,” he says. He does have a dream list of future destinations though, which includes:
And, of course, there’s the ultimate dream: to send a drawing into space. It may be unlikely; but as Alex knows better than most, you never know what might happen!
A mission that matters
Through his art, Alex is meeting new people, connecting across cultures, sparking conversations, and spreading joy in ways he could never have imagined. What began as a personal challenge has become a powerful movement followed and supported by many, one drawing at a time.
Scroll down to have a look at our gallery of some of Alex’s recent successful missions!
You can keep track of Alex’s missions yourself, by following him on Instagram.
