We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dan Finnell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dan below.

Dan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

In several seasons of my life I have wondered why do I see the world through such a different lens … why am I the only one to notice the one leaf falling, or the color of the light, the shape of the cloud, or the emotion in the face. I still don’t have that answer but I have grown to be comfortable in my silent observation. That observation brings a joy to me now and a desire to follow its energy to capture it in time. To communicate that moment through watercolor.

I actually had a regular job a time ago, it was even a creative job, I even owned the company. Truth be told I actually left art first to pursue that now previous career out of fear because “no one wants to be a starving artist”. I left Art because I was not sure if i had what it takes to be an artist, I still don’t even know how to answer that question. However, after spending over 2 decades in a “regular job”. I stumbled my way back into a calling. A calling that brings clarity to some of my questions and produces something that if it weren’t for me that thing would not exist.

Technical expertise can be gained within any field at any occupation, I can tech watercolor technique to just about anyone. However, it is a different human experience to see the energy of the world around you and be able to translate it.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I leave behind a visible emotion in the pigment of each work.

Most of us have played around with watercolor either in our youth, in school, or in some other capacity. We find out quickly that watercolor fights back, it refuses to be controlled, it wrinkles the paper, it runs it blooms. Most will or have given given up on watercolor because they were discouraged with the results as we have become more and more expectant of immediate success or immediate gratification in our work, in our hobbies, and in our lives.

Watercolor & Art in general is an iterative process. In other words it takes failure, curiosity, and tenacity to get back up and to try again to create something that is hand made in a world that is becoming more and more digital.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

#supportlivingartists is one of my favorite things to discuss.

Buy Art … Commission Art … Give Art … Look at Art … Discuss Art … Feel the emotion it brings to you.

Why are the Arts important …. because they shape our culture, our community, our education, our human-ness. Art leaves an invaluable imprint upon each of lives as unique as the person themselves.

In a culture that discusses more about S.T.E.M schools, standardized test scores, and how to get that MBA, little is being discussed for S.T.E.A.M schools or higher inclusion of the arts within public schools early on. There seems to be an early acceptance that ART is relaxing hobby but little instruction, encouragement, or help on how to make a career out of it unless your fortunate enough to attend an Arts Magnet school.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

So we’ve come to my current crossroad. The Iterative process.

What is the golden thread that ties it all together? Why … better yet … What am I creating? How am I moving the needle?

If I’m not creating them I’m just copying is a recent realization I’ve come to accept. While the first chapter of this voyage was about technique and learning the craft. This next unwritten chapter requires additional direction, which is why I have turned to find a mentor.

I’m excited for the questions and feedback they can provide. This will help drive the iterative process.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thedanfinnellstudio.com
• Instagram: @thedanfinnellstudio
• Twitter: @finnell_dan
• Youtube: @thedanfinnellstudio
• Other: Linktree : @thedanfinnellstudio