Check Out Dan McCleary’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dan McCleary.

Hi Dan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in Los Angeles. My father was an artist and introduced me and my six brothers and sisters to music, art, and film. I also grew up in a devout Catholic family. Religion and art were the pillars of my early years… These were accompanied by television, film, and music. 

I drew from the time I was young. I moved to San Francisco in 1970 and briefly attended San Francisco Art Institute. I lived there for six year, then returned to Los Angeles in 1977. In San Francisco, and when I returned to LA, I cooked in restaurants and made art. I traveled to Europe and began going regularly in 2000 to make prints in Oaxaca, Mexico at Taller Sangfer. I was inspired by the community work there by Francisco Toledo and Demián Flores. In 2010, along with Maria Galicia, Javier Carrillo and Emmanuel Galvez, began Art Division 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Of course, there have been many challenges along the way- the loss of friends being the most difficult I am surrounded by truly supportive friends, colleagues ‘and family who have truly helped me on the road. I have been doing a Buddhist practice for 40 years which keeps me centered. The largest struggles have come from within- learning to, not exhaust myself and not being willing to listen to the sound advice of others. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have a consistent art practice. I am in my studio usually six days a week* My studio is located next door to Art Division. I am back and forth all day between painting in my studio and checking in at Art Division. I am most proud of the creation and success of Art Division. Art Division houses an extensive art library, print studio, painting studio, Media lab, kitchen, and art gallery. 

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was interested in film, art, and reading. 

I was a distracted student 

I was very shy but always had great friends and family. 

A list of my influences were 

Musicals 

Movies 

Television 

Rock Music 

19th-century novels 

Art books 

Nature 

Dogs 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: dfmcleary
• Facebook: Dan McCleary

Image Credits
Julia Condon