Peter Rowe

Author, Artist, Illustrator, Presenter, Motivational Speaker

Hello my name is Peter Rowe, welcome to my website

I am an Author, Illustrator, Artist, Presenter and Motivational Speaker, and yes I also just happen to have Down syndrome. I am not ashamed of having Down syndrome, nor do I feel limited or defined by this, in fact I think it is very important to embrace who you are and what makes you different.

I was born with Down syndrome and other conditions that restrict my ability to articulate speech. For the first 30 years of my life I was unable to communicate but thanks to a system called Facilitated Communication (or ‘FC’), I now live a full and meaningful life. Through the tireless support and help of many people like my parents and other faithful individuals and support workers I have become an exhibiting artist, have written, illustrated and published eight children’s books, and have regular public speaking engagements.

I have finally found a way to share my voice. I am passionate about sharing my story to help change social perceptions, and educate people in our communities to look beyond the label and see the person, the ability NOT the disability. I want to encourage everyone regardless of abilities to find their voices and share their stories. Paint it, sing it, write it dance it, do whatever it takes but share who you are, what you stand for and what you have to say. We all have something to share and together we can all make a difference.

Read more about Peter

Peter's Work

I have a deep love of art, drawing and writing and they have been an important part of my journey.

My paintings are mostly abstract and they express my thoughts, dreams, experiences and give me a way to communicate my feelings. It has meant the world to me to be able to express myself through art and writing. It is very therapeutic and has helped me to become who I am.

  • Peter Rowe, working with his art teacher, Cheryl Nonmus

    Art

    Art has been an important part of my journey. Art has given me a way to share my voice, my story and a way in which to connect. My words and stories are embedded in every piece I create. I…

    Read more
  • Books

    My children's books allow me to share my story and help teach children and adults alike the importance of inclusion, diversity, kindness and that it is ok to be different. When we understand and embrace each other's differences we help…

    Read more
  • Poetry

    When I was introduced to Facilitated Communication in my early 30's, it not only allowed me to express my thoughts and feelings for the first time, but it also opened up a whole new world of personal and creative expression.…

    Read more
  • Peter Rowe, presentations

    Presentations

     I love helping others to understand what it is like to have complex communication needs. Through presentations, conferences and training support staff from a variety of organisations. My art, writing and community education, have given me a platform from which…

    Read more

Happenings

I am very passionate about educating people and raising awareness about inclusion, diversity and the importance of community connections.

I believe that when people are connected to and part of their community they are more likely to feel valued and less likely to become isolated. Through various public speaking engagements, community events, art exhibitions and visits to schools, I am able to share my story and message and hopefully be part of changing social perceptions. When you look beyond the label and see the person and the abilities, you see all that is possible.


My books are available to purchase from my online shop, and a selection of my artwork is available to view and purchase at ‘Bluethumb’ online gallery. The evolution of my art over the years is symbolic of my transition out of darkness, confusion and fear, with my more recent works capturing the colour and light of my new found enjoyment of life.

I had so much fun bringing the character’s and stories, that had been in my head for so long, to life. I created the characters and wrote all the texts using facilitated communication,I also drew and coloured all of the illustrations in collaboration with graphic designers, Mitch Palmer (who worked on the first four Josh books) and my new designer, Alex Sweet who worked with me on ‘Josh goes to the Library’ the fifth book in the ‘Josh the Robot’ series.