Benjamin Lachapelle (self-described “Animal Knower”) is a 21-year-old Canadian Autistic artist and author-illustrator of children’s books from Quebec. Diagnosed with autism at age 3, he is a multidisciplinary artist with a singular focus on animals, his passion since he was a young child. Ben uses art to manage his feelings and express himself. He channels his joys and his anxieties for animals through his paintings, sculptures, stories, and illustrations. Ben has developed 3 signature painting styles: Animalier Collection, Ben’s World and Extinction Protest Series. His work has been exhibited in numerous events and commissioned by organizations, businesses, and private collectors throughout North America.
Benjamin has written and illustrated several children’s books including How Tall is a Yeti? and Pace-Ants (a book about patience). Each book provides a unique glimpse into Ben’s rich inner world as an autistic creative. Ben enjoys reading his stories at elementary schools to share his love for animals and promote autism and disability acceptance and inclusion