We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dawn Mayes. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dawn below.

Hi Dawn , thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I’ve done to date is a community project called “The Urban Quilt” It was a homage to Black Panther with a series of community art classes that I facilitated in which each month I would teach about a real African tribe, their way of life, culture, traditions and attire. Then I would challenge the participants to paint something that they learned about the tribe or what inspired them about the tribe. The classes took place from May-August 2018. We discussed the Wakanda tribes while comparing them to the Massai, Dahomey Amazons, the Himba, and Surma tribes. Once the classes were complete, I created an Urban Quilt of all of the paintings to serve as the gateway to the neighborhood. Although it has not been installed yet, I was privileged to be apart of such an amazing project that allowed the residents to participate in the beautification of their community.

Dawn , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am an HBCU grad (FAMU), a veteran, (Army reserves), and a creative professional by default. My mother, father, and brother all have artistic skills that I have gleaned from most of my life. It was only a matter of time that I realized my passion was art. I’ve been drawing my whole life, but it wasn’t until I graduated college when I decided to launch my art business. My initial tagline was “Customizing artwork, your way.” Initially it was an online art gallery where you can view and purchase my art but deep down I felt that it could be more. I primarily worked with ink pens and charcoal and refused to change mediums. After discussions with other artists about the many facets of using acrylic paint, I obliged and I have been in love ever since! Throughout the years, my art has been my therapy, my outlet, and form of expression internally. As I have evolved as a person and artist, my healing journey to face adversity has equipped me with an arsenal to share my personal bouts through artistic expression. Throughout my art journey, I have also become a certified Reiki Practitioner. This is an ancient form of energy healing that I use to channel my artistic visions. I also use symbolism within my art to display our ancestors’ wisdom, knowledge, and messages that they want to convey. Primarily, I like to reference Adinkra symbols in my art which originate from Ghana. They are used in fabrics, pottery and even logos, but I use them as a means to communicate messages within my art. My new tagline is “Healing people and places through art.” I believe that art can heal through its beauty, messages and the energy it transmits when its placed in a space. I also believe that my art is meant to be enjoyed visually and energetically. As art appreciates, I believe its healing powers can also increase to be passed down for generations to come.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I enjoy observing someone being drawn to my artwork and feeling a connection to it. As an artist, you have an immense connection to the work you produce because it can be very personal. The work can be a direct result of a very difficult or insanely happy time for the artist and it is on display for public consumption. But to have an individual feel connected to the work, allows the artist to receive a shared experience of beauty, emotions, and energy.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

As a creative who has worked with many non-creatives, its important for you to understand a few things.

1. Any creative outlet that a professional does IS NOT EASY!!! It took many years and mistakes to get to where they are today. This means that although it may look easy to an outsider, does not mean that the creative didn’t go through blood, sweat, and tears to get to where they are!

2. Any creative professional will tell you that the end product TAKES TIME! All artists in any form have a unique process and it does not happen overnight. If you want a commissioned art piece, depending on the size it may take several weeks to complete! So please be patient and know that quality takes time.

3. Artists have a unique gift but it doesn’t mean that we don’t struggle at times. We can get creative blocks! Although we eat live and breathe our craft, it doesn’t mean that it flows freely all the time. Sometimes we need to get a break in order to get inspired. We are not machines that can produce just because the money is there. We are human and have struggles too, so please grant us grace and empathy as you would anyone else.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.designsbydanico.com
• Instagram: @designsbydanico
• Facebook: Designs by Danico LLC

Image Credits
Dawn Mayes