Dean Leslie Heaton

Art Defies Homogenous Dogma

Blunt                          =                      Straightforward

Belligerent                 =                      Assertive

Subversive                 =                      Revolutionary

Chaotic                      =                      Expansive

Unrealistic               =                        Visionary

Sarcastic                   =                      Sarcastic

Scathing                    =                      Passionate

Cynical                      =                      Wary

Critical                      =                      Analytical

Forgetful                   =                      Divergent

Hyper                        =                      Energetic

Distracted                =                      Introspective

Absorbed                   =                    Focused

Erratic                      =                      Eccentric

Boredom is the catalyst for change.

A late in life diagnosis of ADHD has helped Dean to understand and improve his arts practice. Painting, printmaking or illustrating allows him to pursue different styles and subject matter. With a brain that is constantly racing, thoughts and ideas are often written down on the closest available place. Scrap of paper, notebook, kitchen whiteboard, back of the hand, anywhere or he will forget. Working quickly is not Dean’s forte, slow, methodical and thoughtful, he will often spend weeks researching subject matter before a pencil is even put to paper. 

Ideas can be singular or thematic and are often allegorical. Twisting of words or mashing ideas together gives his works a sense of humour that only a few will get straight away. If you know, you know. 

Storytelling is an important element, from the dark and disturbing ‘For Whom the Pell Tolls’ through to the satirical ‘Go home Ross, it’s Monday’, Dean weaves clues into his works like a tapestry and waits for the viewer’s reaction.

Art is inertia

Art doesn’t stop, only artists do. In a constantly changing world, Dean finds new things to portray every day. A satirical mind brings forth images meant to amuse and ponder but it also sprouts pieces that can be quite scathing with their intent and execution. Commentary on socio-political issues or whimsical musings of current events and people, he brings his own unique take on the world. You just have to be able to decipher it!

“Dean has an acute sense of the absurd”. 

Ian McLean. Writer/artist, science fiction media fan & retired teacher-librarian.