Hi, I’m Danilo!
Working in my studio
What do you make?
My trademark is my spiracular drawings and linocut prints. I love experimenting with multiple art mediums and can’t wait to explore screen printing later this year.
How did you get into fine arts and crafts?
Everyone has that teacher who leaves a lasting impression and sees your potential before you even knew it existed. For me, that was my high school art teacher Lisa, who encouraged me to give art a go. Without her guidance in the beginning, I would not be achieving the success I am now.
In 2013, after arriving in New Zealand from Colombia under the refugee quota, my passion for drawing began. I was only 16 years of age, and I couldn’t speak a word of English. Along with my siblings, my dad enrolled us at the local secondary school, Bishop Viard College in Porirua, Wellington. Whilst the college community was warm and welcoming, I struggled to communicate with others. It therefore became challenging to forge friendships. Plunged into an unfamiliar environment, my art classes at Bishop Viard became one of the few spaces where I felt a sense of familiarity. Producing artwork became my primary form of communication; it felt like my voice when I couldn’t use mine. Despite being miles from home and socially isolated, my drawings made me feel connected and grounded. My passion and artistic flair have continued to flourish since, as has my support network and English proficiency!
Do you have formal training or qualifications in your craft?
Yes, I do! I recently graduated from Massey University in April 2022 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours. I started in 2017, and after four years of balancing my studies and working in a factory to fund my education I can proudly say “I did it!”. It wasn’t an easy journey, but it has been rewarding. Completing my degree has provided me with the confidence I needed to showcase and sell my art.
Your favourite tools, materials and processes?
Although the creative world provides us with the most incredible selection of materials, I like to keep my tools simple. My ‘go to’ is always a very fine pen, felt tip markers and pencils on paper. On my cherished Woodzilla linocut printing press I create my designs onto soft lino plates and ink these with water-based inks – my favourite printmaking paper is Fabriano mixed media as it holds the ink so beautifully.I am methodical in the process of printmaking; this is a requirement to keep the final paper clean. But for the conceptual and drawing process I adopt an organic approach; I start drawing or carving and allow the piece to naturally unfold as I go – I am an intuitive art maker. I love how printmaking and drawing processes use different materials and these processes are what underpin most of my work. Right now, I am enjoying working with some beautiful Japanese rice paper that I got from Gordon Harris. I love experimenting with different types of paper. In what is fast becoming a paperless world I know I will never give up on paper, it’s an essential ingredient to my daily life.
What inspires you?
I find inspiration for my work in many different places, often in the most unexpected ones. I think one of the most random things was my cane laundry hamper, the woven pattern providing intrigue! I am passionate about pre-Columbian art and have often used these as inspiration for making work. The main thing which inspires me, and underpins the vast majority of my work, is that of my experiences as a former refugee. I’ve seen a growing number of articles and social media posts recently with strong anti-refugee sentiments. I think of the struggles that myself and my family went through on our journey to New Zealand, constantly living in fear, the overwhelming feeling of desperation and helplessness, simply so we could live in safety. Views like these inspire me to keep producing my work so that I can raise awareness around the importance of countries like New Zealand accepting refugees, and to connect with others that have shared similar experiences to mine.
Is there a philosophy behind your work?
When I am creating art I am thinking about the connections and threads from Colombia to New Zealand. The family journey to be in New Zealand with other members of the family in different places of the world – the conversational threads that keep us connected make important entries into my art work. Depending on how I’m feeling or what I’ve got on my mind dictates what the finish product will look like and where the next work starts. My lived experiences in Colombia and the current social issues that impacted on our living situations, friends, neighbours and family often provide subject matter and motivation to create. What’s on my mind literally comes out onto the paper: my work is a visual diary and each work is a moment in time.
What has been a highlight of your maker journey so far?
I would say having my art recognised. I’ve had really positive feedback about my work, and it’s felt incredible. I would have never imagined that I might be financially rewarded through the creative process. This would not have been an option living in Colombia. For me though, it’s not about the money but the appreciation that people have for my work and my story.
Describe your workspace:
My workspace consists of two desks, one for drawing and a much smaller one for printmaking. An embarrassing amount of different pens and inks that I keep convincing myself I’m going to use eventually, with some of my working drawings and ideas and finished prints hanging on the walls.
Your favourite feedback from a customer:
What’s your favourite childhood book and why?
I don’t have a favourite childhood book per se, but more of a fond memory. When I was little back in Colombia, when it got close to Christmas people used to give out miniature books to all the children, and my siblings and I used to compete to see who could collect the most.
A favourite quote:
A quote from my favourite movie Ratatouille: “Your only limit is your soul. What I say is true – anyone can cook … but only the fearless can be great.” – Chef Gusteau. I think you can apply this to anything in life.