Today we’d like to introduce you to Darren Downing.
Darren, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I’ve been creating/drawing images since I was about three years old. I come from a family of artist. I grew up in Fontana, CA. Over the years, I’ve been pretty influenced by different people, places, things, and experiences. Skateboarding, cartoons and video games were a huge factor in my journey as an artist. I’ve always had a strong imagination and have used it to propel my artwork and allow me to tell my story in my own unique way. It’s been difficult over the years working vigorously on my own style and just maintaining my dreams and goals while going through life. In 2011, I was asked to be in my first group art show in Glendale and have been in over a couple dozen shows since then. I’m always trying to collab or be involved in any community art events. Getting my name out and networking with others is critical and I try to be as vocal as possible when out at shows and festivals, etc. I generally love art and am very focused on mine and curious about how far I can take it. I’ve never felt my dreams were unreachable, it’s just a matter of time.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
My art is half my imagination and half a fixation with parallel and perpendicular lines. I’ve learned over the years how important negative and positive space is working with art. The negative space is used to create or design my larger pieces. I usually make a poster or large scale pieces using whichever medium I feel is necessary. My favorite is usually a mix of ink, watercolor, and marker pieces. Although I’m pretty well rounded with various mediums. All my pieces are inspired by my life or ideas that I get from stuff that I like. My parents family and close friends are a big support system for me as well and I couldn’t ask for a better one. My brother is also an artist living in LA. His art has inspired me ever since we were kids. Having an overactive imagination, I’m usually a step ahead of myself and I’m always thinking of the next piece.
The stereotype of a starving artist scares away many potentially talented artists from pursuing art – any advice or thoughts about how to deal with the financial concerns an aspiring artist might be concerned about?
LOL, don’t get me started on that. It’s been a tough ride though. I’m sure my struggle is just like many other artist and freelancers. Never knowing where the next job will come from is a sure distraction as well as a barrier. But you learn to live with it and try harder to make it out of your financial situation. It’s inspiring when I’m able to pay a bill knowing it was money I earned with my talent. If there’s any advice I’d give to a young artist struggling to focus, I’d say have a side hobby where you can leave your art and get your blood flowing no matter what it may be. Many ideas come from things outside of art. Without all my experiences outside of my art life, I don’t think some of my work would exist.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
My work is flooded all over my social media. I have a show I’m putting together pretty entirely on my own called “Margins for Error” An exploration of negative and positive space. The Exhibit will consist of pieces all done by me in the last year. Follow my Instagram for more details. I consider support any of the following positive comments, buying some of my work, and liking my work on social media or in person all is appreciated. Networking is a big thing for me as well, I also consider support in the form of connections. You can purchase or buy a print on my personal website 365Dart.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.365Dart.com
- Phone: 9096847772
- Email: dartwork365@yahoo.com
- Instagram: 365dart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darren.downing.39
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/365dart?lang=en
Image Credit:
Jonathan Conley @hotdog096
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