Aura Copeland 8/9/21 Aura Copeland 8/9/21

The Eyes that Speak a Thousand Words

“The circle and the drip are my trade marks. It’s something that just came about over time and I stuck with it. I did it so the focus of my subjects would be their eyes. The eyes of a person can speak a thousand words.” -Dain.

INTERVIEW WITH DAIN

LES COULEURS: What’s your background?

DAIN: I was born in Coney Island, grew up in Flatbush projects. I began doing graffiti when I was just 9 years old with my brother, and some friends. It was my first exposure to art, but at the time I was just having fun. Later on, I opened up a small clothing shop in which I did silkscreen prints on vintage clothing. That brought me back to street art scene, but with posters. It eventually led me into working on wood and canvas. My first gallery showing in New York was in 2007.

LC: Which artist of the past would you most like to meet?

DAIN: I have never been eager to meet other people... I grew up watching Bob Ross as a kid. He seemed like a very humble man, it would be cool to meet him. If you grew up in the 80’s,- Bob was in every home.

LC: How would you define beauty in 140 characters or less?

DAIN: I see beauty in almost everything... It’s seeing the best in people, it’s compassion and love for others. It’s something much deeper than the outside appearance. Although too many people focus only on that, sadly. Beauty is in the soul, it’s the spirit of a person.

LC: You always circle one eye on all your images of women. Why?

DAIN: The circle and the drip are my trade marks… It’s something that just came about over time and I stuck with it. I did it, so that the focus of my subjects would be their eyes. The eyes of a person can speak a thousand words.

LC: Was there a pivotal moment when you decided to follow your path as an artist?

DAIN: Yes. I was doing art, but also working a 9 to 5 job for years. I have a family, so it was scary to leave it and dive full time into art. I eventally took the dive about 7 years ago and it was the best thing I've ever done. It’s really almost impossible to be sucessful unless you are committed 100 percent to something.

LC: What role does the artist have in the society?

DAIN: Honestly I am not really sure… I don't get involved in political issues or current events. I like to create works that simply make people smile.