5 Questions with : Danielle Madding - January artist of the month

I met Danielle in 2017 when I was putting together a photo-shoot to honor the Me Too movement. Danielle made a great first impression with her towering stature, beautiful curly hair, welcoming smile and bubbly personality. I later ran into her at an art event in Buffalo but I didn’t learn until a couple of years later that she was an artist herself. I was starting to put together small art exhibits in my studio as a way to promote young people I deemed extremely talented and inspiring. The moment I saw her drawings I was impressed. We had been talking about having her work exhibited in my studio before I decided to move to France. 

There is something very powerful about her images. There’s powerful womanhood, strength, and yet a softness and femininity which are represented in just primary colors that convey so much through the way she uses them. I want to meet the women represented in her work. The voluptuous female forms and the pure beauty of women of color is inspiring to me. But let’s hear it from the artist. I sat down virtually with Danielle to get a little more in depth with her process and what inspires her.

LG: You found your style quite quickly and it seems to be a perfect match. What did you have to develop, try or learn in order to create your unique/ personal style?

In order to find my style I had to take a step back and tell myself not to overthink it and just let it come naturally. I've always loved the art of continuous line drawing and how fluid it. It's like a maze that draws you in, quite literally. My reason for mostly working with primary colors is that I honestly just love the way they standout when used together.

LG: What are your preferred mediums? 

I usually tend to work with acrylic paints.

LG: Would you say that your experience as an African American woman in The United States (especially in these “tipping point” times) has shaped your work into what it is?

Being a black artist, for me, has taught me that I have to constantly remind myself to not be afraid to put myself out there and showcase my work. Especially in our current climate, it's important to know that there are other black artists who feel the same way.

LG: How have other artists or creative genres influenced your sense of aesthetics?/ (Your biggest influences?)

My art is heavily inspired by the pop art movement. I've always loved working with colors that really stand out and catch your attention. I would say Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Keith Haring are the three artists that have and influence on my art, who are all pioneers of the pop art movement.

LG: What message would you like to send to young girls who have an artistic inclination but are scared to start expressing themselves?

The only advice i have to give is Just go for it. Don't hesitate. Don't doubt yourself. Do it. Also, have fun. Art should be fun.