Last year we worked with 18 brilliant disabled creatives on our Young Artist Development Programme (YADP). Their work is featured in a new zine called “Department for Wonder and Play”, more about this here. In addition to the digital and physical publication, we’re going to spotlight each artist on the blog so you can get a deeper insight into their work and process. Our Solidarity Coordinator Katie chatted to Dami about his project.

Dami’s favourite saying is “I am a highlight”, and he tries to highlight to others how amazing it is to explore the wonders of the world. His project, Leaf Maze, is a wonderful thing to explore – with lots of intricate details, and different shapes and colours. He wanted to make a maze out of something from the natural world because there’s so much to see and do in the world.

Dami enjoyed making a calming pattern in the maze and using his imagination. It was important for Dami to relax during the process. He explains:

“I wanted to take my time. No rushing to think about my work which looks at shapes in nature and helps me to relax and show people how to relax too.”

Dami has been painting, drawing and making things since he was very little. As his practice has developed, he’s even illustrated a book called The Wiggle Woshers and their Stolen Hearts. Dami says:

“I love being an artist and using my imagination. It makes me feel relaxed, happy and it’s a highlight.”

Here’s a behind-the-scenes shot of Dami at work – he used Procreate on his iPad to create Leaf Maze. I asked Dami what it was like making his project, and he said:

“Exciting. Great. Super-fantastic! I was really glad, and enjoyed making this art. It was hard work, but I was really into the drawings, and it was so, so, good. I feel like a legend!”

Thank you Dami for telling us all about the process behind your Leaf Maze – it’s a highlight!