Often I have observed artists creating new pieces of art. It is something that fills me with inspired awe! It’s as though the air stands still, time becomes irrelevant and I am saturated in appreciation.

What is it in humanity that inspires the creation of art? What is it about art, that bridges gaps in communication?

Damien Conte is 21. He is a young man with autism. Yet autism hasn’t prevented him from living an active life. Damien sails, cycles and goes to the gym. He is also a prolific and talented painter living and working in Northern NSW. Damien utilises art as a way to connect with his world.

In early 2009 I began mentoring Damien in his artistic practice. During these initial stages of our work together Damien painted for about an hour, once a week. His paintings generally consisted of simple blocks of unblended colours. Before and after each painting session I would pack and unpack his art materials for him.

Over time Damien dropped his art and sculpture classes with other tutors and began concentrating on his classes with me.

While painting is the foundation of our work together, we also explore dance to creatively assist with physical awareness. The dancing gives him an opportunity for expression of movement in a fun, relaxed and non-threatening way. Damien also receives seated chair massage within his classes. These massages integrate stretching and breathing exercises. This calms, relaxes and grounds him. It especially therapeutic combined with breathing exercises.

This holistic approach to Damien’s classes has positively influenced his emotional, physical and spiritual well-being. It has increased his communication, perception and cognitive capacities. It has also increased his concentration levels remarkably.

Gradually Damien has been transforming. He is now able to paint for up to five hours at a time, maintains three painting sessions with me a week and executes his paintings in many layers of rich blended colours, texts and lines. He uses brushes, pens, markers and finger paints. He packs and unpacks his own art equipment. He selects which paintings he will work on and when a painting is complete.

Damien’s art is an essential tool in his self-expression. It is a key element through which he shares his profound value and meaning. It’s an indispensable language through which he communicates. Damien’s message is being received with open arms. In 2009, Accessible Arts ran an art campaign entitled Don?t Dis My Ability. The aim of the campaign was to raise awareness for International Day for People With a Disability. Don’t Dis My Ability awarded an arts grant which provided funding to host Damien’s first solo art exhibition. Many of Damien’s paintings sold and his exhibition received a large crowd.

In 2010 Damien exhibited his artwork at the Wesley Mission?s  “Art from the Margins” exhibition. At this exhibition Damien received an award of ‘highly commended’ for one of his works. Subsequently Art from the Margins acquired his painting for their collection.

In late 2010 Damien also received a sponsorship from Unique Images in Ballina, donating to Damien a large amount of canvas stretchers. These are currently being utilised towards his second solo exhibition and his entry into Brisbane’s Art from the Margins 2011 exhibition.

When Damien paints, he has no intention to make anything of himself. He?s like a child only present for the now. Creating art simply makes Damien’s soul sing. It?s what has given him wings. His artworks are unique gifts with which he communicates and shares his authentic self to an increasingly inspired world. His website is www.damienconte.com

For over a decade Jhana Bowen has been working to enhance and enrich the creative abilities of children, adults, the elderly and people with a disability in both Australia and abroad. He is highly passionate about inspiring people and committed to sharing his gifts. His artworks hang in many private collections worldwide. Jhana grew up in the Himalayas and his six years of Tibetan schooling, and his yoga, massage and meditation training provide a rich and unique approach to his artwork, classes and workshops.

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