Dawayne Sandiford
St. Peter, Barbados – Dawayne Sandiford’s journey embodies resilience and passion. At just 23 years old, he has transformed adversity into artistic excellence, earning multiple awards and making his mark on the Barbadian art scene. His story is a reflection of what We Gatherin’ celebrates—community-driven talent and perseverance.
From the moment he woke up each day, Dawayne faced relentless physical abuse. Beaten every single morning, he bore the weight of pain and hardship, yet never allowed it to define him. Instead, he turned to art as his refuge, a space where he could channel his emotions and create something powerful.
Dawayne, the featured artist at the Roots and Branches Exhibit at the Speightstown Library, discovered his love for art at just four years old. Without toys or games, he found joy in pencil and paper, calling it his freedom. “I knew I wanted to be an artist for the rest of my life,” he said. Art became his escape from the torment and struggles of his youth, as well as the pain of his father’s incarceration. He made a defining choice: “Instead of being just like my father, I decided to take a different path and become positive.”
His artistic journey began at All Saints Primary School, where he was teased for his cross-eyed condition and accused of tracing. Undeterred, he dedicated hours daily to improving his skills. At 15, with his mother’s support, he began mentorship under renowned international artist Dwayne Mayers, a transformative experience that led him to graduate at just 15 years old. Since then, he has mastered hyperrealism through self-teaching, creating stunning works, including portraits of Clement Armstrong and Amanda Reifer.
Despite all he has endured, Dawayne found solace in faith. After years of struggle, he made the life-changing decision to surrender to Christ, allowing Him to take full control of his life. His faith has become his anchor, guiding him through challenges and shaping his perspective on perseverance and purpose.
Today, Dawayne leads the Community Development Arts Programme, inspiring the next generation of artists with his journey from hardship to triumph. His exhibit at Roots and Branches invites visitors to witness his life story through his powerful, hyperrealistic artworks. His unwavering belief in resilience and faith continues to inspire many, proving that even in the face of adversity, triumph is possible. (PR)