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About Artist:
Danielle O'Connor Akiyama is a Toronto-based Canadian artist who has painted for more than twenty-five years. With her master's degree in art therapy, she has worked, she worked with emotionally disturbed adolescents and oncology patients for many years. Since leaving her work as a therapist, Danielle has dedicated herself to the life of painting. Danielle's style is loose and impressionistic. Firmly rooted in the tradition of watercolour, her painting has evolved into a spirit of exploration. Her personal vocabulary which includes acrylics and oils as well, all evoke a sense of excitement of the journey. In order to understand the strength and simplicity of a single brushstroke, Danielle studied sumi-e, Japanese brushpainting. Upon receiving her master's seal, the head sensei named her "Chi-Sho", which means 'a source of joy', and embodies both the artistic process and the observer's viewpoint. Each work bears her chop as well as her signature 'Danielle'. This mastery of blending east/west artistry is evident, and has led to her works being highly prized by many Asian collectors. Strength of skill and brush technique, (fude no chikara), blend with knowledge of colour and shadow, giving rise to beauty's voice. Impressions and feelings are absorbed in meditation, synthesized, and brought into being by the mighty stroke of a charged brush. Full of free spirited joy; driven by courage and intention, guided by nature's beauty, each stroke is a step on a journey; each painting a cycle in the evolution of style, leading to the frontier of possibility. Whether it be a riotous party of flowers, a single magnificent blossom, or a tranquil terrain of a place remembered, there is always a hidden mystery in the underpainting. This aspect of Danielle's work is what lies at the heart of her creations. Her use of layering evokes a cadence, which echoes back to the moment of original inspiration. The spirit of the subject (kokoromochi) is preserved.
Statement:
' in O'Connor chokes inventory program.
History:
Selected Exhibitions: Alexander Gallery, Toronto, Ontario Burlington Art Centre, Burlington, Ontario La Gallerie, Toronto, Ontario Hallward Gallery, Dublin, Ireland Spiaggia Gallery, Toronto, Ontario Shayne Gallery, Montreal, Quebec Anthony Gallery, Burlington, Ontario Buckhorn Wildlife Show, Buckhorn, Ontario Japanese Cultural Centre, Toronto, Ontario
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