THIS IS
DAVID BERAKI

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, David Beraki grew up around the world. A true third culture kid, he lived briefly in Yemen, summered in his parents’ homeland of Eritrea, immigrated to Canada, lived in Montreal, then Toronto, until finally settling in Ottawa.

Moving from city to city at a young age ignited his love for travel and shaped his worldview. Visiting various parts of the earth has taken him on beautiful adventures that have opened his mind and understanding of other cultures. He expresses this understanding through his art.

“I never know what kind of piece I will end up with. I’m an audience to my physical self.”

He has always been artistic. Throughout his youth he would pass the time daydreaming about art. His turning point came the day he went out to purchase a painting for himself, but instead bought a canvas and acrylic paint. Something deep inside drove him to create that day and it still does.

David most enjoys creating abstract pieces and watching his work come to life. He paints with acrylic / mixed media and creates furniture and sculptures with fibreglass. Throughout his work he tries to convey the universal effortless flow of life.

“I love losing myself in it and watching what comes out in the end. Most of the time I’m just as surprised with the results as someone looking at my work for the first time.”

His greatest artistic influences are Jackson Pollock and King Saladeen, the latter whom he credits with opening up a new space for young artists in the creative industry.

David Beraki can be found crafting live edge furniture with Pirate Saw Mill when he is not working on his latest piece for Laniakea Studio.