Self-taught autistic artist from Middleton shortlisted for ‘This is Manchester’ award

Date published: 26 October 2022

A self-taught autistic artist from Middleton has been shortlisted for a ‘This is Manchester’ award.

Artist Dez – known as LoveArtPix – has been creating art for four years using a free app on his phone - PicsArt - to help him cope with daily life and give him focus.

Now from having public art unveiled by mayors and high sheriffs, and raising thousands of pounds for charities, Dez, 43, has been shortlisted for the Rising Star/Emerging Talent award.

Dez was originally diagnosed with bipolar disorder when he was in his 20s, but has since been diagnosed with autism, and is in the process of being diagnosed with ADHD.

He said: “I use art as my own personal therapy to express my heightened emotional states when they become too overpowering. Art helps me to focus and to channel my erratic thoughts. This has become a positive pattern that I use daily as a life skill and coping strategy which I feel many others could benefit from.

“My autistic diagnosis has changed my life in so many ways and everything finally makes sense in relation to how and why I see the world in the way I do. I blog about some of the highs and lows which affect me personally but also to help spread awareness of my condition and help me process and digest it.

“I am a strong believer in helping others and over the years of creating artwork, I have donated some of these works to charities, enabling them to raise thousands of pounds as the pieces have been auctioned. Some of the charities I am proud to be affiliated with include The Maggie Oliver Foundation, NSPCC and Ronald McDonald House.

“Editing pictures on my phone has given me something to hyperfocus on [a symptom of both ADHD and autism] and helps me in day-to-day life.

“I heard about the This is Manchester Awards on social media and my partner nominated me for it.

“To be shortlisted is a huge achievement as I’m completely self-taught. To reach so many people and be an advocate for autism is incredible and I’m very proud of that.”

Earlier this summer, Dez was commissioned by Northern to create a 30-metre mural at Manchester Victoria station to bring some colour to the bridge to platforms 4, 5 and 6.

The mural was unveiled in August by the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester and depicts the words I LOVE MCR VICTORIA in bright yellow letters, surrounded by 22 Manchester bees, one for each panel on the overbridge.

This is his third piece of artwork at Victoria, as he has already created an architectural themed mural on the opposide side of the overbridge and his work features on the columns of the memorial to commemorate the victims of the Manchester arena bombing in 2017.

His artwork can also be seen at Oxford Road Station and the Nag’s Head pub on Jackson’s Row, as well as in Blackpool, around Cumbria and even in France, at the Normandy Memorial Trust.

Dez has been supported by the High Sheriff of Manchester, and will be teaching art on a project at Strangeways prison, and has also been invited into schools.

Dez plans to get his name out there and continue raising awareness for autism, adding: “Art has really changed my life and I have met some amazing inspirational people who have been very supportive and continue to help me with my endeavours to spread awareness of neurodivergent conditions.

“Not many people understand neurodivergent conditions. In a way, it has been easier being diagnosed as an adult because of the stigma, but then it would also be easier in a way [being diagnosed as a child].

“I’ve had no teaching in art and no guidance, so to have all this in front of me... I’m already a winner.

“Since I am self-taught, this is a huge achievement for me, as it shows my efforts to help and inspire others through my art, is on the right track and to be acknowledged only spurs me on more.”

Winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Hilton Hotel in Manchester on 3 November.