Artist Danielle Thompson’s work captivates your attention, transporting you to a world rich with stunning colours and gorgeous imagery. Although she has dabbled in art since childhood, Danielle has worked as a director of customer success and operations at a group purchasing organisation and has been in procurement for seven years.

So, what inspired this talented creative to focus more on sharing her art with the world?

Yello caught up with Danielle to learn more about her inspiration, creative process, and what inspired her to pursue art professionally.

Danielle, please tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m from Kingston, Jamaica, and this is where I currently reside and work. My career has largely been in corporate, but I’m also a visual artist and content creator. I’ve been drawing since I could hold a pencil. It was something that came organically and naturally to me. I’ve always enjoyed drawing people and capturing human emotions.

What made you decide to pursue art professionally?

I never considered doing art professionally until I experienced several complex life changes in 2022. However, the event that ultimately pushed me in this direction was the death of one of my older brothers. It started as a painting of him for his funeral and became an entire collection of acrylic paintings.

How would you describe your work?

My work primarily consists of acrylic paintings on canvas and has an Expressionist feel. I like to do acrylic pourings, portraits of women painted over acrylic poured pieces, Jamaican and Caribbean flora and fauna, and Jamaican sceneries. I’d also describe my work as very eclectic, just like me. Although I gravitate towards darker palettes, my work can be pretty colourful.

It is difficult to pin down my artistic style, as I pull the essence of various art forms from art I have seen and admired and interpret it my way. I love the fluidity and freedom in acrylic pouring, the nuances of feminine expression and beauty, the timelessness of Jamaican landscape paintings, and the freshness of Pop Art.

Your work is visually striking. How long does it typically take to create one of your pieces?

On average, it takes me approximately one week to complete a piece since I work during the day and must do most of my painting on nights and weekends. Sometimes, it may take a couple of months, especially when I feel I’ve evolved during the execution of a piece and need to change the concept to reflect my new idea and thought process. Some pieces may only take a few hours if inspiration takes over and I get hyper-focused on my vision.

What do you find most rewarding about your art?

The most rewarding thing about painting and creating art is that it lets me tap into myself and process thoughts and emotions. During the day, I primarily use my analytical mind and make complex decisions in stressful situations. Expressing myself creatively allows me to break out of that box by experimentation. It teaches me to trust the process and not be so critical or harsh on myself.

Who are your top artistic influences?

My influences come from all over. It’s never usually one person or art style. The Creator is my most significant influence. He is the greatest artist and has allowed me to understand some of the joys of creativity and marvelling at his creations.

Many artists I’ve met while travelling throughout the country to various art and craft shows and other events in the past year inspired me. Jamaican artists are talented, humble, and genuinely giving. It’s been my pleasure to meet every one of them. I’ve also gained inspiration from many gifted artists I’ve seen on social media.

Have you participated in any exhibitions?

I started doing art professionally late last year, so I haven’t done many exhibitions yet. I showed my work briefly at the Orchid’s Association Flower Show. I exhibited at the Liguanea Art Fest in June and will show my work at Conoco Market at Priory Cove in St. Ann on 15 October 2023. I plan to do more shows and events next year.

What is the most important thing you want people to know about your work?

Each piece reflects a part of who I am and where I was when I created it. I often tell other creatives to separate the art from the artist, but I need help with that, so ‘do as I say, not as I do’. I take my craft very personally, so I have been unwilling and unable to do commissions. I do what feels right to me. I’ve learned that the journey is more important than the result because the journey is a combination of all the defining moments that have moulded me into the person I am today and the person I will become tomorrow.

I want to ask readers to invest in me and my work. It doesn’t have to be an outright purchase. They can follow my creative journey on my YouTube channel – @Karibiese_collection (Karibiese by Danielle). I wish to share this journey with anyone who appreciates Caribbean art, artists, and human expression.

What advice would you give someone interested in pursuing art as an entrepreneur?

Have a plan. Art is a creative field, but if you do it professionally, you must consider it a business like any other. Create a schedule and include time to create your pieces, manage your finances, and work on marketing and promotion. Calculate the costs and benefits of doing shows and how many you wish to do per year. Also, ensure you make it easy for people to buy your work, so have a website that can take electronic payments securely.

You need to have passion, but as an artist friend said, discipline is the most essential skill you need. Be disciplined in working for yourself and honing your skills more than working for someone else.

Thanks for sharing your process, artwork and valuable advice with us, Danielle. We wish you much success in your creative career. Danielle is active on social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. She has a fine art website and a Shopify store with merchandise. To learn more about Danielle’s work, purchase artwork and get updates on her projects, please use her Link Tree (https://linktr.ee/karibiese_collection) to access all her websites and social media channels.