Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Daniele Jones. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Daniele thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

As a kid, I’m sure I drove my family and friends crazy with all the homemade present I gave. It was an incredibly experimental and playful time though. I know I learned a lot about materials and glue and how to make something by trial and error. I don’t remember anyone ever criticizing my creations, so I felt confident in making more and more things. I was never really sure I could be an artist. It wasn’t a thing that anyone I knew did as a profession and education-wise everyone was pushed either toward teaching or moving straight to a master degree. I fell into design almost by accident when I met my long-time partner, Joe. He was a self-employed designer and we started working together. At times web design can seem more technical than I wish. Although, it is fun to workout the other side of my brain too! Shortly after we started working together, I also started doing commissioned pet portraits which was my main artistic outlet for many years. In the last few years I’ve been focusing on abstract, textural paintings that I would like to make for the rest of my life. I’d like to be one of those legendary, wise old women, with flowing white hair, that creates amazing giant paintings in her barn/studio! I guess this art dream really seemed like it could become a reality when I decided that art is really what I do best. Now creating is what keeps me sane.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I feel like one of the things I do best is just not feeling afraid of failing. I will make or try almost anything to see what its like, if it’s fun, if it feels good enough to do again. For most things there is always a do-over, and usually the best result comes when you’ve given up on a predetermined outcome.

With pet portraits, I try to give the pet owners/parents a portrait that conveys not only the likeness of their beloved furry friend but also what it feels like to be with them. Many times the pets have passed and I love to hear stories about how people felt about the pet or something about the pets unique character. I think about it all while I’m making the portrait and I feel like their love gets conveyed through the artwork.

With abstract art, I’m also trying to convey a feeling, or create a piece that the viewer can bring their own feelings to. I think that my abstracts look interesting enough to draw you in, then you might loose yourself for long enough to find a little peace. For me, they are often about quieting the chaos of thoughts in my head to focus on what really matters. I hope they help others do the same.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

The most valuable resource for me is my circle of family, friends, acquaintances and colleagues. Having family support cannot be overstated. When your core people believe in you, it makes you feel limitless. My current home town has an amazing art scene full of people that are producing amazing work, supporting new-comers and long-time friends. I had a friend who saved huge canvases for me while I moved across the country and back – which literally started my abstract painting journey – it was a game changer for me. The willingness to share what we’ve learned (often the hard way or by trial and error) with each other helps us all rise. I feel like we are living the “rising tide lifts all boats” quote. As a life-long introvert, it has been a challenge for me to get out and meet people and I never realized what a joyous resource a community could be. I am forever grateful for the family, artists, collectors and advocates I’m surrounded by. I hope I can do them justice and lift them up whenever I have the chance.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The biggest reward for me is when something I’ve made connects with someone. If a website makes sense to the user and they can find the info they need and connect with the business. My pet portraits often make their recipients cry happy tears, it’s just the best when they are so touched by a likeness that they feel the love for that pet all over again. And when someone loves a painting enough to want to live with it – it’s just an amazingly validating feeling. Connecting with people in these heartfelt ways is so important to a feeling of success for me as a creative person. It’s funny because often you can connect on this kind of deep level without ever knowing or meeting a person. It’s kinda profound.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://danielejonesart.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/danielejonesart
• Facebook: fb.com/danielejonesart
• Other: https://petable-portraits.com https://jozeedesigns.com email: [email protected]

Image Credits
the image of me painting is by Zoe Martin