My Journey

New York artist, Damien Raphael, embarked on his intuitive art journey shortly after his mother's passing. She told him of a dream she had where she saw him as a painter and sculptor. This cleared the path which moves his brush today.

 With no formal art training, images of celestial gardens became a focal point of inspiration for these uniquely abstract "garden-scapes." The collection is filled with whimsical plant life drawn from an ever-learning inner psyche. Arriving as dreams where colors and fantasy are intertwined with reality, Damien's art is rendered without start and without end, implying perhaps a glimpse into the infinite.

 Strong supplemental influences are rendered from artists such as Jeff Koons, Jean Michel Basquiat, Wassily Kandinsky and Joan Miro, have all been important ingredients in developing his distinctive style.

 Damien was highly influenced by his mother Anne Candee who was his first and perhaps greatest influence in understanding all that is good in himself and how to use that as a tool to understand, appreciate and respect art. She is a major part of the story that continues to unfold. Sadly, Anne passed in May 2015

Farewell My Friends, 2019

Will She Notice Me, 2020

Gumdrops and Moonlight, 2019

I am extremely privileged to be able display on a wall of my home this brand new commissioned artwork by local artist Damien Raphael I gave him absolutely no guidance other than to look around my apartment and capture the vibe. The size, theme, color scheme was all up to him, and he killed it!

He calls this gigantic work Lady of Tranquility for a vague female form hidden the the middle, reminiscent of art nouveau. Yet the remainder of the work is a mix of abstract and Impressionism straight from the psyche of this celestial dreamer. I see a beautiful, energetic vision of color and texture open to reveal the subconscious thoughts of the viewer. I could (and will) stare at this piece for hours and constantly see new images being conjured. I could not be happier with this piece. 

Joseph A. Leta

I acquired the painting Jupiters Sierra last summer and placed it in my office.  It’s the first thing I see when I open my office door.  When I first got it, there were many office visitors who commented, “Oh what is that?  Where did you get that painting?  Wow, that’s cool”. 

I told them an artist and friend had done it and given my line of work, I just had to have it.  It’s big and it really brightens the office and my day sometimes.  All of the artist’s work has a unique feel when viewed in person.  You can see the thought and care with color selection and attention to detail.  I would recommend that anyone take a look and consider finding a piece that could work for them in almost any location, home, office, gallery or restaurant.  It is sure to be a conversation starter. 

Rick Cosentino