“Purple and Copper Square”, 19″x19″, Goauche, Sumi Ink, and Copper leaf

Interview by Timothy Ogene

Danielle Denham is from Humble, TX. She is currently studying for a BA in studio art at St. Edwards University, and will be graduating in May 2014. She lives and works in Austin, TX.

“A Sea Foam Gemstone”, “7×7”, Gouache, Marker, Glitter

Looking at your work, I see resemblances of nature concealed in vibrant colors, dripping, almost abstract but familiar. Is this an attempt to re-write/re-paint how we see the world? Are you offering us a new way of seeing and appreciating nature?

I like that you said “almost abstract but familiar”, that is a big part of what I try to do when I paint. I want the viewer to feel connected to what they see without necessarily knowing why. I believe that my innate job as a painter is to try and re-paint how we all see the world. My color schemes come from nature for example, the colors of gems and natural stones are where I find a majority of my inspiration for color. I think that is what gives my work that sense of familiarity. My work creates a subtle way of appreciating nature, the patterns I paint are created to evoke a connection with movements and shapes we often see all around us but rarely acknowledge, like wood grain or waves. And I believe what I am offering the viewer is a visually pleasing experience and I suppose yes, a new way of seeing the small beautifully decorative elements of nature all around us.

“Blue and Silver Square”, 19″x19″, Gouache and Silver leaf

It is obvious that you draw inspiration from nature. Other than nature, what else inspires you? And I suppose there are artists whose works (and lives) serve as guideposts, yes?

Aside from nature I get my inspiration from the fantastical. I am interested in science fiction, supernatural phenomena, and mystical creatures. I am also inspired by the meditative process of painting and how stream of conscious painting can create new and interesting forms and movement. Some of the artists I am currently inspired by and look up to are Carla Accardi, Kate MccGwire, Maja Ruznic, Ken Faulks, and Virgil Finlay.

“A Pink Gemstone”, 7″x7″, Gouache, Marker, Glitter

You graduate this summer, and I believe that’s both exciting and, well, a bit overwhelming. What do you see yourself doing next?

After I graduate I plan to continue making paintings. Though this summer I will be working as a camp counselor for a few months and after that I have yet to work out a permanent plan. Graduate school is in my future, but not for another year or two. My plan is to get my MFA in Studio Art.

“Purple and Green Square”, 12″x12″, Gouache and Copper leaf

And what were your fondest memories as a student here at St. Edward’s?

My fondest memories are of just making work in the studio, being able to take new things I had learned in my courses and experimenting with them in my work. St. Edward’s was a great place for me to grow.

“I create paintings and drawings using primarily lines, repetition and vibrant color. My work is evocative of natural phenomena such as cloud formations, gemstones, woodgrain, and waves. I am interested in beauty and aesthetics, and try to convey this to the viewer through the use of careful hand drawn patterns, analogous color schemes, and the use of precious materials such as gold leaf and glitter.”