In the parish of St. Peter, where creativity and culture run deep, 23-year-old Dawayne Sandiford is using art to rewrite his story one brushstroke at a time.
A rising talent in Barbados’ art scene, Dawayne’s journey has been anything but easy. From a young age, he endured daily physical abuse the kind of trauma that could have defined him. But instead of being consumed by darkness, he turned to light. That light came in the form of art. “Art was my freedom,” he says. “No toys, no games — just a pencil and paper.” He was only four when he discovered it was what he wanted to do for the rest of his life.
At All Saints Primary School, Dawayne stood out — and not always in ways that felt good. He was teased for being cross-eyed and often accused of tracing. But rather than let it discourage him, he doubled down. Hours of sketching turned into years of practice, and by 15, he had graduated early and landed mentorship with internationally renowned artist Dwayne Mayers — a turning point that launched him forward.
Dawayne is now a self-taught hyperrealist whose portraits of Barbadian icons like Amanda Reifer and Clement Armstrong have left many in awe. His eye for detail and emotional depth make each piece feel personal and alive.
Recently, he was one of the featured artists at Roots and Branches, a celebration of the rich artistic legacy of St. Peter. The event highlighted not just his talent, but his ability to inspire a role he continues to play as the head of the Community Development Arts Programme.
While art helped him survive, it was faith that helped him heal. After years of struggle, Dawayne made the life-altering decision to surrender his life to Christ. “God gave me purpose,” he shares. “He took what was broken and made something beautiful.”
Today, Dawayne Sandiford is more than an artist. He’s a mentor, a believer, and a testament to the power of resilience. As We Gatherin’ celebrates the people shaping Barbados’ future, Dawayne stands as a bold reminder: no matter where you come from, greatness is within reach.
