Dan Bray is a prominent Halifax artistic figure who wears many hats in the artistic community: multidisciplinary artist, artistic director, visual artist and more.
His newest project – unique avatars that allow customers to personalize their social media platforms with artwork based on their favourite photo - was inspired by artwork that he saw online, created by artists including Robin Lewallen.
“Part of the idea was to create something of my own…because I am a digital artist too…but I didn’t just want to take the idea,” said Bray, acknowledging the work of the artists who inspired his avatar creations.
In finding purpose to create again during the pandemic, while the arts sector completely shut down, Bray felt that the most important part of this new venture was to give back and support others in a time of need.
The first initiative Bray chose to support was the GoFundMe page for Eddie Carvery.
Carvery was born and raised in Africville, in Halifax, N.S., and has been fighting racism and peacefully protesting the displacement of the Black community from Africville for over 50 years. The page was set up to financially support Carvery to “ensure that Eddie gets freedom, respect, and support he deserves to live the last years of his life in dignity.”
The next initiative that Bray supported was The Bus Stop Theatre Co-operative.
“It is Halifax’s last/only affordable performance venue. It is a community hub for a lot of groups in the area…the threat of gentrification is really strong there,” said Bray.
The building was previously owned by a co-operative and was going to be sold, but through the work of the staff, community and government funding, over $1 million was raised to buy the building.
“It is a safe space to explore and learn and grow,” said Bray. “A lot of time, you don’t get formal training, but having this space that is low-risk [financially]…a team that is supportive and willing to help, it gives you the freedom to learn or play in a low stress environment.”
Bray thought that only his friends would be interested in purchasing his avatars; however, within three months, he had sold over 400.
Due to the high volume of interest, Bray was able to support another initiative, The Micmac Benevolent Society, a charity that is dedicated to aiding Indigenous Nova Scotians who are facing poverty, hardship and distress.
If you are interested in helping Bray’s efforts to support the community, you can reach out to him at www.brayowulf.ca.
