I’ve been working with paint colors since 2010. I coordinated volunteer events for people to paint murals at schools and community centers, but I was no artist. At least not until two years later. I became inspired to spread paint over blank canvases, similar to the way I’ve crafted words together to create stories. I was exploring a new creative outlet, a new type of journal. I am expressing myself through blended colors and golden highlights.

I began posting photos of the finished pieces to my social media networks, and surprisingly received a lot of feedback from my peers. They seemed intrigued. They’d hit the “Like” button on Instagram and Facebook, then followed up with a comment or private message, “how much?”. When I sit down to paint, I never know what’s going to be created, until it’s complete. Sometimes I reveal pain. Sometimes love. Sometimes hope. I noticed that no matter what story the painting is telling, there is always a search for peace.

After almost three years of painting and having created over 100 pieces, I held a premiere art exhibition for DMC originals in October 2015. It was a solo show that took place at Amarachi Lounge in Brooklyn, NY. The show was entitled “Everything that Glitters is Gold”. I wanted my paintings to encourage people to see the possibilities. As they scanned their eyes over the layers of paint from each corner of the canvas, I hoped for them to see that they were on a journey: jumping over forced shapes, sliding down blended colors, climbing up impulsive angles, inspired by bold golds, all in search of the peace everyone is trying to find. A great amount of people showed up to the exhibit, and my art was just as well received as my children’s book during the signing for Peers, Cheers, and Volunteers in 2013. I loved that I was able to bring people together for an evening filled with art, love, laughter and an open mind for creativity. Many went home that night with their very own DMC original. I was lifted! In that moment, I felt that I was in the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing – existing in part of my purpose.

So, I’m indulging again! I invite you to come out to Verboten in Williamsburg, Brooklyn on Saturday, January 30th from 5-10 pm for an evening of art in every form, a PHD Experience (see flyer below). DMC originals will be on display, in addition to live music, dance performances and so much more.

When I think about the people who have DMC originals on display in their homes, I hope they understand that they have more than just a painting. It is mostly my intention to inspire them to see beauty in all things.

You are encouraged to follow this blog and my Instagram page @dani_chery. Cheers.