He paints with purpose. From abandoned buildings in Brazil to festivals across three continents, Dinho Bento has been chasing meaning with every mural. Now based in Ottawa, the artist and environmental storyteller is bringing his bold, nature-rooted vision to the walls of downtown Sudbury.

Can you share a bit about how you became an artist?

Like a lot of artists, I got into art when I was a kid. I used to spend hours just drawing. As a teenager, I discovered graffiti through magazines I found in Brazil, and I got really into it. I loved the idea of painting big and out in the open, especially in public or abandoned spaces. It felt like a way to change how people saw a place, just through art. I started doing my first pieces in abandoned spots, and soon enough, people started noticing and inviting me to take part in street art and mural projects. That’s how things started growing, step by step, along with my work.

Later on, I studied fine arts at UEMG (State University of Minas Gerais), and then took a one-year course in naturalist and scientific illustration at UFMG (Federal University of Minas Gerais). That really pushed me to bring more elements of nature into my art. Today, I’ve had the chance to be part of festivals, residencies, and exhibitions in several countries across three continents. Every place I go adds something new to my journey and keeps my creativity alive.

How does Up Here 11’s theme of “Upon Refraction,” all about transformation or redirection, resonate with you?

I really like this theme. It's a great metaphor for art. Just like light bends and shifts when it passes through glass, artists take in experiences and emotions and turn them into something new. A lot of my work reflects what I’m feeling or going through. Over time, I’ve had many moments that made me rethink how I create. Every time I explore a new material or idea, my work naturally heads in a new direction, and I think that’s a good thing. I don’t like sticking to just one technique. I prefer to let each project lead me wherever it wants to go.

What recurring themes or messages show up in your work?

One big theme I always come back to is the relationship between humans and nature. I grew up in a city in Brazil that’s now taken over by mining companies. I saw the impact up close: polluted rivers, destroyed forests, animals disappearing, It really affected me. So, I feel a strong need to talk about this in my work. I try to raise awareness and show that we’re all part of nature, and we need to find better ways to live in balance with it. If we don’t, we’re only hurting ourselves in the long run. A lot of my pieces show a more peaceful and respectful connection between people and nature.

I think art can make people feel something, and that can lead to reflection, and hopefully action. Art has the power to reach parts of us that words sometimes can’t. I am currently working in my studio on a new series where I use various recyclable materials, basically waste produced by me. I mix this with a texture that I create, simulating an organic texture. This series has made me reflect a lot on the culture of consumption and waste that we are influenced by daily and what paths I should take to reduce this impact.

Do your surroundings influence the direction of your murals?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no, but a lot of the time, I try to connect what I’m creating with where it’s going to live. That could mean studying the local landscape, animals, plants, or even the stories and culture of the community. These things often help shape the mural's proposal. I try to channel what moves me emotionally and create an image that brings good energy to the place. The final piece often ends up with a surreal or dreamlike feel, but it still carries something of the place it’s in. The shape of the wall or building also plays a big role. I design each mural to fit the architecture so that everything works together. I don’t see the wall as just a surface, it’s part of the artwork too.

What do you hope people will carry with them after seeing your mural?

I hope people feel good when they see it. That they feel inspired, uplifted, maybe even a bit surprised. I’d love it if the mural could spark new thoughts or emotions, whatever they might be. To me, a great piece of art should make you feel and think. That’s always my goal. But even if it just makes someone stop for a second, smile, or get a new idea … I’m happy with that.

What’s your process like when approaching a new mural, especially one in an unfamiliar place?

I like to plan everything very well so that nothing is left out and no extra work is created for the event team. So, I like to have a well-structured design and mockup of the project, as well as a list of all the materials needed. After years of painting murals around the world, I have learned a lot about how to prepare before, during, and after a project. Things don’t always go as planned, and you need to be prepared for that. Good planning helps me avoid surprises and feel good about the end result. That said, there is always room for change. Sometimes while I'm painting, I notice something I want to add or adjust, or I discover something on site that gives me a new idea. These little surprises can really make the mural even better.

Is there a dream project you’d love to pursue in the future?

I’d love to paint something totally different, like a ship, a plane, or even an entire building wrapped in my art. That would be such an amazing experience!

What advice would you give to emerging artists?

Draw every day, even if it’s just a small sketch. Experiment with different techniques, listen to your intuition, and find the tools that give you the most freedom to express yourself. Stay true to your vision instead of following trends. In the end, authenticity is what sets an artist apart.