We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Danielle Doetsch a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Danielle, thanks for joining us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

This is a fun question. There is definitely a part of me that thinks about what if I had pursued art sooner. I was in my mid 30’s before I started to pursue art as a career. But a bigger part of me thinks some things happen in their time and when they are meant to happen. I went through a very significant shift in my life and in myself right as I started to pursue art. I changed a lot internally and had to go through some really rough times before I was at a point that I was compelled to go after being an artist. I could sit and think what if I had started sooner I could be farther in my career, more skilled in my craft and so on, but that doesn’t help me. I didn’t have a need to create nor a message I wanted to put out into the world, so, no I don’t wish I had started sooner. I think we can start pursuing our passions at any time and it is alright to change course from past pursuits if you realize they are no longer for you. I started right when I needed to and was ready to be an artist. I’m right where I need to be and I’m excited on where this journey as an artist will lead me.

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 am a mixed media artist based out of Milwaukee, WI. I rediscovered my love of art about four years ago as I was going through a difficult time in my life. I was recovering from serious injuries I sustained from a head on collision with a drunk driver. I felt compelled to pick up a paint brush and express myself with watercolor. During this time, I ended up getting diagnosed with a chronic autoimmune disease. I was feeling very lost and defeated. I was really struggling with this news and still in a lot of pain from the injuries caused by the accident. Art was my light through this really difficult time. I started oil painting, as I was really drawn to the rich depth and colors. With each brush stroke I was discovering new meaning and purpose. It really helped me see the beauty in life again and just ignited this passion to share that with others. Even though I went through the hardest and most painful time in life, something beautiful came from it. I would not be pursing art as a career were it not for that accident that set in to motion a total shift in my life. At first I was angry at the sudden change of path and direction, but it has led me to such a fulfilling purpose in my life.

I hope my art inspires people to find what speaks to their soul and seek that out everyday. Life is too short not to fill it with what we love. When we surrender to the moment we open ourselves up to the process of transformation. There’s a powerful freedom in that and allows us to see the beauty and magic around us. I love exploring these moments in my work and how they relate to nature, animals, and the feminine spirit. I love getting lost in the creative process. Time seems to melt away as the secrets of the universe whisper on the tip of my paint brush waiting to be released onto the canvas. Sometimes I’ll stand back after a painting session and be surprised at what I see. It still feels like magic. I hope to bring that feeling of wonder to my collectors and into their homes.

There is no better feeling in the world than when someone connects on a deep, emotional level to my art. Whether that’s an original piece that came from my heart or a commission that we collaborated on bringing to life for them. Art heals the soul and I want to bring that to as many people as I can.

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

I think society is enriched with more art in it. It shows our humanity and makes us connect to one another on a deep level. I think the first thing we can do as a society to support creatives is to stop perpetuating the myth of the starving artist. It devalues how important art is and discourages many people from pursuing and creating art. We need to highlight how important creativity and art is and show people that it is valued. So changing that narrative would be a great first step in creating an environment to have a thriving creative ecosystem. Also, supporting smaller artists and creatives, not just big names will go a long way.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being an artist is when someone connects on a very deep, emotional level to the art you create. We all want to feel seen and understood and if my art can do that for someone that brings me so much fullfillment. Having conversations with people about how a piece of work makes them feel or captivates them is incredible. It drives me to keep creating more art. One of the best things I’ve heard from someone looking at my work has been, “This speaks to my soul.” That’s when I knew I was doing what I was meant to do. I also had someone express how they can tend to be in a dark place and have a negative view but that my art reminds them that there is still good in the world. That really struck me because I have been in that place myself and art was that light for me. I strive so much for my art to be that for someone else that needs it. Finding the people that my work strikes a chord with is the most rewarding part of being an artist.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.danielledoetschart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielledoetschart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danielle.doetsch/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-doetsch-95b48112/