By Sanam Lou
A year ago, Primrose Hill gained a new resident, artist Damien Morrison. Born and raised in Fulham, and the son of theatre actors, Damien has been creating art for over four decades. He studied at Hastings Art College, after which he travelled across the Atlantic to New York City. What was supposed to be a few months in the Big Apple turned into several years, during which Damien had many opportunities to expand his artistic capabilities by incorporating new materials into his portfolio, such as mirror pieces, wood, metal, feathers, glass and multiple types of paint.
After his stint in NYC, Damien returned home to London. “London is a living, breathing thing, you can’t be doing nothing − you need to take advantage of all that it can offer. And London, well, it has everything to offer you.” It was the 1980s, a time that Damien says formed him. “The influence of the ’80s − the freedom that came from that decade, the hip scenes, inclusivity, partying until the early morning hours, alternative lifestyle, living between the gaps − back then, you could afford to live as an artist and didn’t need a 9 to 5 to survive.” For over a decade, Damien worked for Ikon Studio, where he created pop-up displays for shop windows, pieces of art and shop fittings like the glass counters that can still be seen today in the Liberty store.
With the ’80s now almost four decades behind us, Damien recognises that the world is a very different place, and yet he still finds inspiration everywhere around him. Ever since moving into our colourful neighbourhood, the streets of Primrose Hill, Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill Park have been a rich source for his creativity. Damien has an incredible ability to transform everything he sees into art. “From old dolls found in bins, to branches and leaves found in the park, to the lid of a candy pack, to a plastic container of strawberries: art is everywhere. I never look for it, it just comes to me.” He was a frequent visitor to Primrose Hill’s long-time shop, Sew Much Fun, where he would pick up leftover pieces.
When asked what he has enjoyed creating the most, without hesitation Damien says: “Everything − within 20 minutes of creating something, I know if that thing is going to work or not. I never pre-plan or draw anything out. I let my instincts take over and guide me through every project.” Similar to Andy Warhol, he believes that good art comes from “just getting it done”.
Over the last several months, Damien has been leaving behind little pieces of art in the local area. “Art is meant to be shared and to bring everyone joy,” he says, “but I don’t want to get into trouble of course,” he adds cheekily. What he doesn’t realise is that the pleasure is all ours − and if you’re lucky, you may just spot some of Damien’s artwork hidden in and around the streets of Primrose Hill, signed DAMO.
Contact: damoartlondon@gmail.com
Instagram: @damienmorrison5
