Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Holeman.
Hi Daniel, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in San Jose, California, back in the ’50s and ’60s in a rather conventional suburban environment. Due to the cultural trends of the late 60s, I was exposed to both psychedelics and eastern mysticism (such as Alan Watts) which set me on a spiritual path. Which I pursued wholeheartedly until I was about 37, while seeking more fitting career direction, I decided to become an artist. I had no training but had enjoyed and done well in Art Classes in High School. I figured it was something I had a talent for and could succeed at. What prompted the change was I had been unfulfilled as a computer trainer and hearing Joseph Campbell telling people to “Follow your Bliss” and I could only think of art as something I could be successful at as I did not know how to make a living with my strong interest in Spirituality. So I said a kind of prayer asking to be shown how to become an artist. And about five days later I get a call from the company I worked for saying they were going out of business. So I took that as an answer to my prayer and bought a bunch of art supplies and just started painting. I began with oil on canvas. Very primitive at first and got an airbrush and started touching up my paintings with airbrush to give them a more ethereal look. And I gradually evolved my style of visionary art. I had to move to a place that had no studio so I got a computer and scanner and Photoshop and scanned photos of my artwork and began modifying and enhancing them with Photoshop, which became a new artist tool to me. That was in the late ’90s and it has matured from there.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road financially. About 3 years after I began I had to file bankruptcy and after than just reduced my expenses to fit my means. But I had some fortunate breaks and have had some good exposure over the years as well. TV and many magazine covers and lots of internet exposure once I made a website (also late 90’s). My website has been quite popular and people continually ask to use art for book covers and such. So art licensing became the largest source of income. I have only had a few gallery gigs and they did not last long. The internet has been my main vehicle of exposure and success.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in spiritual and inspirational “Visionary Art” and have grown in reputation as that “Spiritual Artist”. But I am most proud of the short videos I have make with my art set to inspiring music. I love showing those to people as they always are blown away. Something about the imagery changing to the beautiful music is quite moving. I would not compare myself to other artists and I have no doubt many many artists are better technically then I am. But I have my own style which is unique and recognizable and many people recognize and enjoy it. I tell new artists who ask that is a good approach to art – include some theme you are passionate about (such as horses or cars, etc) and keep creating and your own unique style will emerge and success will come. At least enough to support you, if not more. It comes down to filling the role you are designed to be, that you are designed for and enjoy, rather than just doing something for the money.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success as being and doing what you are designed for (your innate gifts and talents) and having Life reciprocate your giving of those gifts in a way that provides you with the means to live comfortably and fulfilled. That usually involved enough money to fulfill your purpose/role in Life and can include other things besides money, such as circumstances and opportunities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.AwakenVisions.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielholeman/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danielholeman
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/danielholeman
Image Credits
Artwork by Daniel B. Holeman
