Dawnae Simmons isn’t who comes to mind when you imagine the average graffiti artist.

She has no visible tattoos and isn’t rocking the usual snapback hat or baggy jeans, but the 31-year-old mother is an emerging artist in her own right.

Ms Simmons was the winner of last year’s Miracle Temple Graffiti Art Competition and will be picking up her paint brush for a second year in a row to defend her title.

The competition encourages people of all ages and abilities to create gospel-inspired artwork on the church’s building, located near the Old Clayhouse Inn on North Shore Road, Devonshire.

The event was the brainchild of Pastor Clark AD Minors, who wanted to find creative ways to reach out to the community and let artists use their God-given talents.

Ms Simmons heard about it through family members who encouraged her to take part.

“My mother and son always saw me drawing and sketching and felt that I should give something like this a try and see how I did,” she said.

“I was very nervous. I guess the nerves came because it’s a competition. I was thinking about what I’d do if I won and how I’d feel if I lost, what my painting would turn out like and how people would receive the message behind my artwork.”

But in the end all the anxiety proved to be in vain.

Ms Simmons’ picture of the word ‘Saviour’ was picked as the front-runner by competition judges.

“We wrote out the word Saviour because we wanted something that expressed how we felt at that time,” she explained. “I used to go to church before and now I’m going to church again. In the times of trouble I was always taken care of and looked out for by Jesus Christ, who is my Saviour.

“I wanted my picture to reflect that and be a message to people who aren’t saved so they understand that He is the one that can help and restore you.”

Since getting grounded in her faith she has learned and matured a lot. “Things that happened before that would have upset me, now I turn my head against them. And things that should worry me, they don’t,” she added.

Ms Simmons was encouraged to enter this year’s competition by family members.

“They wanted me to defend my title. I was going to help out this year as a judge, but I said ‘I guess I’ll do it’.

“I am feeling more confident this time around, but there’s still a little bit of nerves as soon as the word ‘competition’ comes up. I don’t like to compete, but the good thing is when I draw it makes me feel much happier and at ease.

“The interesting thing about this competition is everyone decorates differently and expresses themselves differently.”

Ms Simmons said art is often therapeutic for her. When she’s feeling down, bored or lonely she starts to sketch and those feelings dissipate.

“I guess it’s my gift so I try and keep doing it,” she said.

“I would encourage other people to take part in this competition because it’s something fun and allows you to give back to the Lord who gave you those gifts and talents. Don’t think of it as a competition, but rather a way to show your skills and express yourself.”

To see the local gospel graffiti artists in action, visit Miracle Temple today from 2pm until 6pm.