We recently connected with Dannielle Olliver and have shared our conversation below.

Dannielle, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

Yes! The most difficult idea in the world is to pursue your dreams. We live in a society where money dictates so much of our lives, the idea of anything that isn’t considered a traditional source of income can be overwhelming. I think it is so important to remember that life can change at any minute, and that if something does not work out a new path always shows up. Had I started my creative career sooner I can only imagine the concepts and ideas that would have found me!

Dannielle, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I have always fascinated over natures designs! When my daughter was born, I began thinking of ways to create physical representations of lasting memories. I started to research and practice nature preservation! With lots of trial and error a process was born. An obsession, preserving snowflakes. Each snowflake is captured one by one! When snowfall begins, we setup and wait. Temperatures must be freezing for snowflakes to begin forming dendrites. Collection is a race against time!
I keep my art studio freezing but light, movement, or breathing in the wrong direction can damage the snow crystal.
I find a paint brush is the best extension of my fingers to manipulate things! Our favorite snowflakes are chosen and transferred onto microscope slides for the preservation and curing process to begin. Our method is based off polymerization, using chemical reaction to change the molecules from liquid to solid in essence. Like minded individuals have been creating slides and imprints with superglue, hairspray and various other household products for years! The human mind is truly a beautiful place. We have created a process that works well for what we love creating. The snowflake is placed onto the slide and cure resin dropped on top. The chemical reaction begins immediately, and another slide needs to be placed over to prevent curling! This is the point where the process becomes very fragile and is make or break.
The snowflakes are then careful put into deep freeze and allowed to cure for several weeks. When the time is right, we harvest the snowflake and use various setting processes to create unique works.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goal is to utilize individual captures and create a place for viewing them frozen in time. The Snow Light Observatory will be a space of imagination! So often the beauty around us is lost in the shuffle. Our mission is to mimic and preserve the perfect snowstorm. This will be a hands-on immersive winter wonderland! Each snowflake will be carefully preserved, and glass magnified for all to enjoy! This project will continue thru the years until the entire 10×10 space is covered. Showing the unity in art thru shared experiences.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Life and the path we choose to take is just as unique as the individual. When we focus on our passion, the best version of ourselves is brought to the front of our day to day. As a creative I respect the journey of others knowing I am unable to fulfill that role in our world. Creatives have brought to light some of the greatest ideas and concepts! Without Leonardo da Vinci where would our advancements in flight, math and science be? The line between creative and non-creative is truly just a decision away. I think some would struggle to understand the why behind any art. I beg to ask the question why not?

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.junkbox.shop/
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