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

Norm, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you wish you had started sooner?

As a young man, I drew or sketched all the time. Perhaps I should have paid better attention in school, but drawing occupied my time in a much greater way. Many times, friends would tell me I should pursue a career in art. But, it seemed an un reliable way to actually make a living. So, fear of starvation and actually having a few shackles in my pocket forced me into the work force. Fortunately I found a way to make a living and use creativity at the same time. I became an architect. During those years I designed some pretty nice custom homes in the greater San Diego area. But when no one was watching, I was standing at the easel doing what I really loved….painting. Oil painting to be precise. I consider that opportunity quite a blessing in life. Eventually, I retired from home design, after a series of small strokes and started to paint full time. I love it. Perhaps I would have done well enough had I started earlier, and maybe grown a lot faster as an artist. But, this is the path I took and am grateful every day to enjoy this gift. And, occasionally to sell a painting or two is quite an affirmation.

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

Designing spaces for living is a great challenge. Meeting with clients was always fun and often complex. But solving problems and developing a good workable plan for clients was pretty cool. I always enjoyed the study of architecture. Especially home design. The key for me is to be a good listener. To take notes, and help the clients needs be met in a creative and beautiful way. It was great. Also, I was never too preoccupied with trends in design. I’m sure trends and styles subconsciously integrate into my designs. It can be a battle at times to help clients see beyond trends in style. And, I’m not so foolish to not see that, even though some style or trends are very good, still the overall design must be practical and usable. Human centered and organic, yet artistic and creative. It was a fun career. Now, as an artist, I don’t do as many “commissions” specifically. But the same opportunity arises with a commission painting. Sometimes I have to encourage my client that good art doesn’t always need to match the sofa.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Sometimes I am asked to do a design project (a logo, or brochure, or even an art piece) and the client is surprised that I charge. Often I hear, “well, this comes easy for you, just scratch it out for us when you get around to it” Then there is often follow ups and the job grows because now there is more info an the juices are starting to flow. Hence the project gets bigger. Many times I am asked to do live painting at an event for fundraisers. I do many of these, and quite enjoy them, but it’s really hard to explain that I need to receive a portion of the sale too. “It’s great exposure” they say. And there is truth to that, but there are expenses too and it’s not like the other donors who might donate from inventory or stock on hand. This is something I need to find a better way to communicate to people who want donated or quick/ cheap artwork. I hope that these “non-creatives” can understand the time, and thought and effort and heart that goes into all my projects has value. Also, I hope that in the days of A..I. that are coming, I hope clients will keep using us old creative dinosaurs for their projects. I know that AI is gonna change a lot and we are already losing new projects. So, I hope that people will still desire traditional organic art and design.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Several years ago, I experienced a series of smallish “lacunar” strokes. It messed me up for quite a while. My balance was off, my speech was stuttered, my eyes got wonky. It was a slow recovery, and there are still occasional setbacks, but all in all I was so fortunate it wasn’t worse and in many ways made me a more focused and purposeful artist. Then, four years ago I go hit by a car while crossing a street. Ouch! Broke my pelvis and both arms and both shoulders. My left shoulder had to be rebuilt. It’s pretty crazy how they can do this kind of thing. I kinda felt like my painting days were over. Especially “Plein air” where I would need to stand for long period of time. It only took a couple years and now I can stand and carry my supplies on site. So, ya just gotta keep on keeping on. It could have been worse and Im ever so thankful for the good loving support of my wife Patsy and the P.T. instructor. I guess that’s some resilience. It builds endurance and gratefulness too.

Regarding NFT’s. ????? I do not understand them at all and when asked I simply say, I have none available. Thank you

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barefoot_norm/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/normhere

Image Credits
All images created by and photographed by: Norm Daniels