We were lucky to catch up with Danny Joe Rose III recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Danny Joe, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Risk has always been an integral part of my practice. I approach each series with fresh eyes and allow the work to evolve as it needs to. This could mean that one day I am working with canvas, another with digital processes, or sculpture, collage, etc. In the early phases of a new series, I don’t really know what’s going to emerge, so being open to the outcome takes trust and most certainly risk. I am currently working on two very different bodies of work and risk plays a large role in their development. One series utilizes more traditional methods of paint but explores alternative surfaces like burlap, felt, and plaster. The other is an exploration of drawing with digital art tools and experimenting with editing software.

Danny Joe, 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?

My work explores themes of nature, inner worlds, and subliminal realities. My art is often inspired by fleeting memories of forms and colors experienced both in the waking world and my subconscious. I’ve been creative since I was a child but started exploring image-making more seriously in high school. That’s when I discovered painting and quickly learned that it was my medium of choice. Being creative has also been deeply healing for me. I was diagnosed with OCD and PTSD at a young age and battled addiction in later years, so making art is also a therapeutic experience, one I cherish and honor. After high school, I attended college for graphic design. During this period, I discovered that I have a passion for both studio art and design. Today, I balance my days between making art and working part-time as a designer. I try and spread the gospel of creativity to as many people as I can! It is truly a rewarding experience to work on a creative project.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Being an artist has provided me with the opportunity to share my vision with communities by way of exhibitions, artist talks, teaching, interviews, and putting art in homes and I am grateful for that. It brings me such joy when people want to live with the work. I approach each day as a new opportunity to be creative and see my practice as a lifelong exploration.      

Have you ever had to pivot?

Learning to pivot in my career has been a big part of my journey. Over the years I have worked many jobs! I have worked as a graphic designer, educator, house painter, dog walker, fry cook, food truck worker, waiter, photo retoucher, library clerk, and many more. I learn something new from each of these experiences and get to work with incredible people along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dannyrosestudio.com
• Instagram: @dannyrosestudio
• Other: Keep up with my creative endeavors by subscribing to my free digital newsletter. http://eepurl.com/hWDXU9

Image Credits
Image credit: Danny Joe Rose III