Today we’d like to introduce you to Dawn Mayes.
Hi Dawn, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born a creative soul. I have always had the desire to share what was inside of me with others. As a child and through my teenage years, I have continued my love of the arts and used it to express what I was feeling. My immediate family including my brother and mother had an artistic gift that they occasionally used, but I continued to pursue mine through my adult years. Studying architecture enhanced my skillset in sketching and it provided me creative space to explore the importance of how someone experienced design. How did it make them feel? Did it encourage or depress them? It caused me to become mindful of not just how nice a building looked on the outside, but the interior was just as important. Matriculating through the design profession was a challenge. It was run by majority white males and black women aren’t valued. During this time, I used art as my escape. When I felt defeated, it was art that helped me to remain balanced and to bring a sense of calm to my life. In 2013, I decided that I was going to come out to the world as an artist and it was not easy! I had some angst, anxiety, and doubts about what people would think. Imposter syndrome was definitely rearing its ugly head! But I pushed through anyway! I had years of unseen art pieces from ink pen sketches to charcoal drawings and I was TERRIFIED! What would people think of me if I showed them this part of me? I went on to plan and execute my launch party for Designs by Danico LLC while creating 30 new art pieces just for the event! I had an amazing turn out of family and friends that supported and encouraged me to continue.
Now in the present, almost nine years later, my studio practice has evolved into an empowering status. Over the years, I have realized that my art has lifted, shifted, and healed me at times. I strive to share my experiences and the power of what art can do for others, whether you create it or purchase it for your space. I have hosted creative coping workshops that allow individuals to open the gate to their emotions through art instruction, paint and sip parties, and created content that shares the values and benefits of collecting and creating art and self-healing!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
In retrospect, this journey has not been easy! External work comes from internal reflection. My biggest struggles came with creating art that conveyed some major obstacles and hurts in my life. It has freed me from bondage while allowing me to share my emotions without words. It has pushed me to be comfortable with transition and change, as it leads to greater heights of knowledge and understanding. Although it may show as decorative or beautiful, my art at times is the manifestation of heartache, pain, successes, and triumphs. The internal struggles of life have allowed me to flourish artistically by expanding my creative works to acrylic paint on canvas and throw pillows, as well as writing e-books to assist with self-healing and re-imagining your space!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an artist that heals people and places through art. I believe that art speaks to the soul and can provide calmness and healing to a space. I create original abstract drawings at various sizes from 8’x 10″ up to 36″ x 48″. My medium has expanded from canvas to 20″ x 20″ throw pillows. There are commissioned opportunities for wall or throw pillow art available along with e-books to assist you on your way to curating your space. I am a certified reiki practitioner which assists with energy healing. I bring those same principles into my work that may include certain colors or symbols that provoke thought, emotion, release, and even a hidden language. Most of my art has signature repetition of patterns, shapes, or lines. These elements represent the spiritual realm that is always there but unseen. It is the language of what our ancestors may be chanting that we were too tapped out to hear or acknowledge. My studio practice allows me to use deep meditation to reveal what needs to be said and brought to light. I am most proud of learning to use my sacred space of creating to help others along their journey of healing.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
As a creative, I always thrive being around other individuals who are sharing their creative gifts in the same space! Supporting my business looks like purchasing some art from me whether it’s on canvas or a throw pillow. Also as a small business, it’s important that when you patronize, please give feedback on the product, give a review, and share my work with your circle! I would love to work with another small business on a t-shirt or sweatshirt design with my art. Collaborations can birth innovative and new ways to share my gifts! Lastly, interacting with me on my social media (Instagram) posts can give me real-time feedback of what you would like to see more of. I would LOVE to hear your thoughts!
Pricing:
- Abstract of the Day 8×10: $40
- Discovering Energy E-book: $16.99
- Custom 10 x 20 artwork: $150
- Custom 20×20 throw pillow: $100
Contact Info:
- Email: info@designsbydanico.com
- Website: www.designsbydanico.com
- Instagram: @designsbydanico
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/designsbydanicollc
Image Credits
Alvin Smith @ishootseniorpics (IG) McKinley Wiley @thedarkrroomco (IG)
