Ageing and mental health

Let me introduce myself

I began by learning life drawing at the Montréal Museum Summer School at fifteen years old. Then, I pursued my studies in Fine Arts at university. My first regular employment was as a graphic designer at Québécor the largest printing firm in Canada. I was introduced to news print & the digital world of Photoshop, though my dyslexia did posed several challenges but this solid experience allowed me to work as a freelance for the first decade of my artist working life.

Initially, I graduated in sculpture and worked in wood and clay. Then gradually I tackled different materials like stone, metal, perspex and I even did an ephemeral fire sculpture in 2014 on the shores of Wynnum /Brisbane , Australia . Eventually, as I advanced in age, I decided to try my hand at painting. Professionally, I taught French language and art & worked as an anthropologist and archaeologist from North America to East Africa before settling in Australia in the 1990. In 1992, I adopted a beautiful girl and raised my family. In 1998,

I reconnected full time with my art practice. In the 90’s in Canberra I did some dry point printing at Megalo Print Studio. At the turn of the century while living in Singapore I learnt lithography, lino cut and wood printing at Tyler Print Institute. Typically, my creative themes usually reflect the human condition inspired by my travels and anthropological experiences. I have participated in the art life and exhibited in every cities that I have lived in and I have been known to be followed by collectors worldwide. I am known for my gestural, ambidextrous drawing.

Since 2009 I am established in Queensland where I've continually explored my art in my Brisbane studio. In 2012 I have entered The Archibald price doing the protrait of Dr Karl Kruzinelsky and got accepted but that year Dr Kruzinelsky was part of a scandal and my artwork was not exhibited. My last body of works go back to winter 2023 on “Abandon, Adoption, Rejection” exhibited at Metcalf gallery, (Brisbane Institute of Art) BIA. The works took a lot out of me psychologically. This being too close for comfort & me having to have hand surgery that spring henceforth I took a deserved break from my creative art practice but I aback full time in action with THE DARE project.

I am a seasoned visual artist now & my signature style is well established & is easily recognisable through my figurative expressionist figurativism style. Along the way I did some more studies and acquired more official "papers". I am a curious person & I like to update my skills with classes, workshops, that are pertinent to my craft & demanding mind.My artworks are about real human stories. The themes explored are about: you, about social commentaries, love, misery, joy, food, sadness, health, divergence, even politics and at the moment it is about Re-Inventing Still Life, my challenge for my 70 years old and retirement years.

Danièle