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Breaking Ground
Damien Conte (Far North Coast NSW)
- Breaking Ground - Solo exhibition by Damien Conte
- Launch of artist website myspace.com/damienconteart
- Mentorship of Damien Conte with artist Jhana Bowen.
Don't DIS my ABILITY event details
Exhibition dates:
- 11 December 2009, 3:30-7:30pm
Process
“As Damien’s mentor I have been working closely watching and growing together with this prolific young artist. Here is a young man communicating so richly through his art. His verbal communication is limited making direct conversation difficult due to his Autism. His art speaks of his optimism. His spark for life. His works are bright, textured and bring a delightful ambience to the environment.
Working together most of our communication moves far beyond words.
With Damien I have witnessed a young man who is dedicated infinitely to his art. I am inspired limitlessly as I watch him work. Time seems to stand still and the line between creation and reality merges.
I began working with Damien since March 2009. In that time I began to nurture a vision to see Damien hold a solo exhibition and sell his work. I entered his work into an Art Exhibition in Byron Bay’s Waywood Gallery. I was flooded with tears of joy when he sold a painting.
Today the momentum has carried us to where we are now, ready in the flow to hold his first solo exhibition on 11 December 2009.
I have to commend Damien’s mother for her commitment to Damien’s talent and passion. She has supported him every step of the way and has enabled me to really foster his growth as an Artist.
I am warmly affected by how many people are so moved to contribute to Damien and his outstanding talents. This is what it’s all about. The community. The people.
And what we can create when we put our heart and soul into our dreams rather than investing in what we can’t do.
Countless people have come together to give support for this event, with graphic designers (Sean Ikin), musicians (Richard Bell, Sean Ikin), gallery owners and assistants (Kit Feuerriegel, Mez Petheridge), caterers (Elenor) and event assistants for the opening (Tammy from Nortec, Sophie, Cheryl Gardner)."
All artworks will be available for purchase during the exhibition and funds raised from the sale of works will be used to facilitate further exhibitions. At least 20 artworks, many professionally photographed, are on the new website myspace.com/damienconteart.
Jhana Bowen
Artist and Mentor
Links for Life
About the artist and organisation
Damien Conte
Damien is a 20 year old artist working mainly in acrylics on canvas. Damien has autism which limits his ability to communicate verbally, however Damien is able to use painting as a medium to communicate and share with others his passion and talent. Damien creates a variety of artworks that enable him to explore texture, colour and line. The results are bold works that draw a powerful response from the viewer. In 2008 – 2009 he has been working with several renowned local artists to further develop his technique in design and application of colour. These artists include Jhana Bowen, Innes McLeod and Shelena Russell. Damien’s unique painting style ranges from expressive abstract to a representational, naïve style. Damien also enjoys working with clay and has been mentored by highly regarded local sculptor and artist Marie-france Boissonneault.
Jhana Bowen
Jhana has gravitated towards art since childhood where he grew up with the Tibetan people in the Himalayas. He loves to paint and says "it’s a natural expression of my soul." He works mainly with oils on canvas in a diverse range of styles. "My paintings of turtles, dolphins, whales and mermaids are enjoyable and well received," says Jhana, "I also love painting abstracts, and sometimes infusing these with figures. My vision for my artwork is to explore my connection with the Tibetan culture and continue to work with the figure in an Angelic form”. Jhana also shares his artistic talents and gifts working as a facilitator and mentor with his students. He has worked internationally, since 2004 with children, adults, elderly and people with a disability. He is often amazed at the transformation in individuals with low creative self esteem becoming confident artists able to support others in their artistic journey.
Links for Life
Links for Life supports young people aged 16-25 years to gain new skills, build confidence and raise self-esteem while being engaged in artwork that reflect a personal expression.
Project partners
Links for Life, Access Arts, Byron Tik (Byron Tik Gallery)