"Green Gazes and Blue Waves" is a captivating 28x36 cm piece rendered in mixed media. This artwork is a stylized, abstract portrait that focuses on a face with exaggerated and bold features. The subject's face is portrayed with a light, muted skin tone and sharply defined black outlines that lend a striking contrast to the delicate complexion. The eyes are the focal point, depicted as intense green orbs framed by thick, expressive black eyebrows. The nose is slender and elongated, creating a harmonious balance with the face's overall elongation and abstraction. The lips are bright pink and asymmetrical, adding a touch of playful irregularity to the portrait. The hair is particularly dynamic, depicted in deep blue, wavy lines that convey a sense of movement and fluidity, reminiscent of ocean waves. This blue contrasts vividly with the background and other facial features, drawing the viewer's attention in a vibrant manner. A single ear, outlined in black and tinged with pink, stands out prominently, adding to the asymmetrical and whimsical nature of the piece. The background enhances the face through its divided color sections: an orange area directly behind the head and a vibrant yellow surrounding the shoulders, further emphasizing the subject and evoking a sense of warmth and vibrancy. "Green Gazes and Blue Waves" is unique not only in its visual composition but also in its material. It is painted on Yasutomo mineral paper, a substrate crafted from rocks rather than traditional wood-based materials. This unconventional choice adds an additional layer of intrigue and innovation to the work, resonating with viewers on both an aesthetic and a textural level.

Dani Wilson

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Dani Wilson, an inspiring voice in the world of abstract art, was born in 1969 in Cleveland, Ohio, and spent her formative years oscillating between Cleveland and Baltimore. The frequent relocations and a tremendously impactful childhood event-witnessing the tragic death of her father at the age of twelve— left an indelible mark on her life. Diagnosed with depression and PTSD at thirteen, Dani navigated her difficult teenage years with courage and resilience. Though she dabbled in art throughout her life, it wasn't until 2016 that Wilson experienced a profound artistic awakening. That transformative moment came courtesy of her daughter, Maddie, who introduced her to Priscilla Batzell on YouTube. Dani instantly fell back in love with abstract art and found herself immersed in its vibrant and emotive world. With sobriety providing newfound clarity, Dani dedicated herself entirely to art, breathing life into every canvas. Wilson's journey is remarkable in its self-taught nature. Without any formal artistic connections in her family or academic training, she relied solely on her intrinsic passion and relentless study of the craft. Dani's past included over two decades battling addiction to drugs and alcohol, a period during which she painted only sporadically. However, with over seven years of sobriety under her belt, she now lives and breathes art, painting full-time in her Baltimore studio. Her work bears the hallmark of her experiences with depression and PTSD, translating these complex emotions into vivid, energetic colors. Dani's creative process begins with an underpainting, a foundational layer that imparts depth and contrast to her work. She then builds upon this with a bright and dynamic color palette, meticulously crafting each piece. Her technique is a quilt of influences from various artists, gleaned through exhaustive online research, yet her distinctive use of color and form sets her apart. Dani's inspiration draws heavily from two art figures: Jackson Pollock and Priscilla Batzell. Her ongoing quest for artistic expression finds her active in Highlandtown's First Friday art walk, where she engages with a vibrant and supportive community. Currently, her work, including her unique hand-painted wearable art jewelry, is showcased at the 3402 Gallery on Gough Street in Highlandtown. Recognition has followed her dedication. Dani has garnered several awards and is going to be featured in an interview with Voyage Baltimore Magazine at the end of the Summer. Her art has been spotlighted in a two-month solo show in July of 2022, earning admiration from viewers who often find themselves mesmerized by her colorful creations. Her dream is to secure a lasting place in the art world, a goal she strives for with unwavering determination. Dani Wilson's art is a reflection of her journey— a narrative colored by struggle, resilience, and ultimately, redemption. With each piece, she not only explores the depths of abstract art but also invites viewers into a world where every hue and shape has a story to tell. Her commitment and unique vision underscore the vital role art plays in society, proving that it is not only a form of expression but also a beacon of hope and transformation.