“Creativity is intelligence having fun.”– Albert Einstein. Olivier’s brilliant creative ideas which he conceptualized in his art are influenced by his experience of deafness and his surroundings. His hand drawn multi colored contemporary art uses different innovative styles which captivate everyone and forces them to surrender themselves to his never-ending imagination. His wonderful work is showcased public arts at the Grand Central Shopping Centre (aka New Street Station) in Birmingham, United Kingdom and shown his digital billboard via blowUP Media UK. Olivier is very active with showcasing his art at exhibitions such as John Lewis Birmingham Store, BT Wholesale in London and events and has been featured in several magazines and art publications including Limping Chicken and Art Professionals.

How and when did your passion for art grow?O: It started, I think, when I was 5 years old and I drew with pens on paper / card given to me by my family and I just kept on drawing many, many different images. I think I have always had an Artist's Soul since birth. My passion for the arts keeps on growing all the time and I am always learning new skills / ideas / experiences.

Which is your favorite piece of work? How long did it take you to finish that piece?O: I have many favourite pieces of artwork, which makes it so difficult for me to pick just one. But my favourite piece of work is entitled 'Footprints' and it took me on / off around one to two months to finish that piece. I used green pen on black card, using a hand dotted drawing technique. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a print as many people think this artwork is.

How do you usually conceptualize new creative ideas?O: Most of my creative ideas comes from nothing in particular. I usually look at my surroundings for ideas. Whether that be in books, pictures, travels, TV, in conversation with people talking about issues, my experience of Deafness. Sometimes some of the art that I created when I was little I bring back to the present, creating new artwork from that. When I feel I want to draw something I may try out new ways to create new images. I destroy my work if it is something I don't like because I find this helps me move on to the next piece.

How can art be useful for disability awareness?O: Yes, Deaf (Disability) arts can be useful for people to gain better understanding about issues, colours, style of work etc. The most important thing To raise awareness is when I deliver talks via tours, as I am able to go into my work and my background / influences in more detail with further information about why I have created a particular piece. Also, why I have chosen particular colours and what the significance behind this is.
I do not want to be a token 'Deaf Artist', but instead I want to show that some of my artwork is about Deafness as well as including non-Deaf related concepts. I think about visual arts as being both, and not just a sole focus on (Disability) Deaf Arts. I feel I want communities to enjoy art by looking at or even choosing to own pieces as part of their every day and in their homes, retail outlets, restaurants and businesses.

Who is your favorite artist? Which art of his/her do you admire the most and why?O: My favourite artist - I have many but I have decided to reduce these to a selected few and to pick both - Non Disability/Deaf Artists and people with Disability/Deaf.
Dale Chihuly - American Glassmaker. Dale and his team have made many wonderful glass pieces and through this work, always influence my ideas for colours choices, style and simply the enjoyment of looking at the work. A link to his website
Antoni Gaudi - Spanish Architect. I have been to Barcelona, Spain many times and Gaudi's work always gives me ideas just by sheer enjoyment when looking at his work and influencing my own work. A link to Wikipedia
Kitengela Glass Studio, Kenya, Africa. I stayed for two months in Kenya working with big studio teams, making all kinds of different glass pieces. It was an unforgettable experience where I learned more about Peoples' lives there; their friendly/laid back attitudes; their skills. You can see some of their walls and floors take influence from Gaudi's work. I helped to add to some of the patterns on the floors there many years ago. Two links to their websites - Kitengela and hotglass.
Chuck Baird - Deaf Artist. I found out more about his work via google when searching 'Deaf Art' Sadly there are a lack of Deaf Artists to be seen via social media channels, even though I know of some who I have met over the years. I have not met Chuck himself but I always liked his ideas, colours, translation from Sign Language to the Arts. His work has influenced me in getting me thinking about how to translate my own language/thoughts/issues to the arts. A Link to Wikipedia
Sarah O'Dowd Landscape Artist living in the UK. We have never met, but we always keep in contact via social media channels and I find her work to be very good artistically. We are fellow artists always there to support each other and it is not just us; there are other artists around the UK who support each other too. The skill she has is something I cannot match. I like her work as it reminds me of the outdoors and travel, as well as many of my childhood experiences. A Link to Limping chicken article.

Who is your inspiration?O: Me

What are your other hobbies?O: I like watching films and practising my own photography via my iPhone (my Instagram). Walking outdoors and reading graphic novels.

What is your favourite place to visit? What do you like about that place?O: My favourite places to visit are Barcelona and Malta. Barcelona has many art and craft places. Malta has lots of historical places, good weather and the people there are very laid back. I have always liked France too, for their culture and lifestyle, and weather - I have been visiting there with family since I was very young. The United Kingdom will always be my home and I have visited most parts of the UK. There are still so many places and things to explore for more inspiration.
There are many places I would still like to visit too, such as USA, as well as other parts of Europe and Asia. Every place I seem to visit becomes my new favourite.

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who are interested in becoming an artist?O: My tips/advice for people who want to become artists is to learn from your mistakes; challenge yourself to be the best and do better than those people who say'you can't' or something is 'Impossible'. Obama said 'Yes you can' - which is a good motto for everyone regardless of background, but who just want to be better in life.
If new artists see opportunities - I would say, go for it! and don't wait for opportunities to come to you. Don't stay in bed all day, as things will never happen that way.
I have set up many public art projects and exhibitions, workshops, Sign Language tours, commissions and collaborations. You can view my website

Any special message for our community?O:  All the best for any success for any achievements