I love when an artist has defined their signature style; not simply having strong artistic talent, but defining and refining an approach to creation that carves out their niche within the industry. This month’s feature artist, Dana Mooney, clearly understood her own style before she even began her career, which has allowed her to quickly and successfully make a name for herself within Vancouver’s art scene.
I first met Dana a number of years ago when we both had primary careers in the fashion industry – Dana was a prominent Vancouver makeup artist for commercial productions. One of my favourite elements of Dana’s work now is that I see a strong reflection of her makeup artistry within her pieces; the presence of brush strokes and movement of paint remind me of where Dana began exploring art within makeup.
The pop colour abstract approach that Dana takes to her painting makes working with her art a lot of fun for designers. Dana has a super positive personality, which can be seen through her work, and it is this outlook that clients love to get to know and collaborate with for commissioned pieces.
Tell us a little about who Dana Mooney is:
I’m an artist in Vancouver, living and working from my space in the West End. I’ve had a few different creative careers so far in my life including makeup artistry and interior decorating, but I am now painting full-time, which has been my passion all along.
How did you get started as an artist?
I have always painted for fun, but it wasn’t until I was working at an interior design store six years ago in Vancouver that I was able to start selling my work consistently. I was lucky to have that exposure and look into the interior design market, seeing first hand what people were interested in having in their homes. Last year was the beginning of my full-time career as a painter. I credit working both as a freelance makeup artist as well as working in the interior design industry for my sense of running a creative small business. I’ve learned the amount of drive, motivation and hustle that it takes to make it as an artist, especially in the first few years.
Do you have a favourite place around the city that inspires you?
Living in the West End allows me to have the ocean and seawall as my backyard. It’s always beautiful and always inspiring.
What colour best describes your personality?
Neon coral.
What are your predictions for the future look of your industry? What do you see gaining popularity?
In the art/painting world of Interior design and decorating, I predict that we will see more and more loose, imperfect art. Colors bleeding into each other and watery brushstrokes and contrasting saturation are what I’m getting into!
Some people collect old cameras and typewriters, do you collect anything?
I don’t collect anything! I live and work in under 450 square feet. There is no space for collecting. Plus I like a clean backdrop when I’m making art.
Who is your idol or mentor?
I don’t have one idol or mentor, but I look to all of my friends and acquaintances who are running their own businesses, juggling their lives and making it happen. The support, discussion and constant inspiration from them keeps me focused and inspired on my own path.
Do you have a favourite creative website?
No specific website, Instagram is my jam (@danamooneyart)
If you weren’t an artist, what do you imagine you would be doing?
I would be working as an interior decorator. I love it and always will.
