Faceless artist
BRIXTON - Producing disposable artwork in public spaces offers Dane Diedericks a reprieve from his chequered past and tattered present.
The 25-year-old Brixton resident offers passers-by works of art inspired by his emotional state at the time of crafting, mostly stemming from his challenging childhood.
“Because of my difficult upbringing, I felt isolated and took to drawing,” Diedericks explained.
“I became an attention seeker because I didn’t receive enough attention from my mom. She wasn’t doing it on purpose, my stepfather at the time forced my mom to withdraw from me.”
As a result, Diedericks found sanctuary in rebellious deeds. He dropped out of school, sold drugs and eventually used them himself to dull his pain.
In his most intoxicated states, Diedericks would produce anonymous art on rocks at Kingston Frost Park in Brixton, using leftover burnt charcoal that would later be wiped away by wind or rain.
Indeed, this is how NMT discovered the unusual artist: Editor Jeanrique Snyman noticed him drawing in the park while taking a walk, and approached him.
Diedericks lived like a homeless person for three years, and if that isn’t tragic enough, his wife packed her belongings and moved to the Eastern Cape with their three children because the situation proved too hard for her to handle.
To add to this already painful existence, Diedericks was arrested for selling bulletproof vests while trying to make some money to sustain his new lifestyle. Two months after he was released, Diedericks found himself back in jail for theft.
“I had checked myself into rehab after I was released and after checking myself out, I moved in with a friend. I didn’t have any money so I stole from my friend and sold some of his electronics.”
Diedericks’ friend reported him to the police and he is now awaiting trial in Johannesburg Medium C Prison, where he has been since 6 January.
“People in jail actually have good hearts and jail has changed my life. I am making progress with my wife and I miss my children dearly,” he said.
“My wife suggested that I send the people I’ve hurt letters of apology once I am released. I suggested that I send them drawings instead, to show them how sincere I am.”
When released, Diedericks’ mission is to become a good father to his children and to become a godly man.
