Danielle Doctor
Bio:
Danielle is an artist based in Lynchburg, Virginia, USA. She primarily works with water-mixable oil paints, but has experience with many other traditional drawing and painting media, as well as digital.
Her current work is influenced by her aphantasia (the inability to visualize mental imagery) and focuses on finding balance between grief and joy. After her father passed away in 2019, she spent countless hours digging through old hard drives of digital images. The photos brought back many fond memories despite their low resolution, and Danielle realized that these pictures were the only visuals she had of the past, as she is unable to pull up images in her mind. The grief of losing her dad was immense, and the thought of losing these photos as well was worrisome. However, every hike, trip, or other outdoor activity reminds Danielle of how much he loved being out in nature. Even though the ache is constant, she knows he would want her to focus on finding small moments of joy all around her.
The first piece that was created with the pixilated style is called "Conservation". The reference photo was taken during a trip that was dedicated to the remembrance of the life of her father, at a conservation are in Florida. Her husband and kids were also on this trip. Reflecting on the sorrow felt by her father's absence and the sense of curiosity and wonder expressed by her children inspired the stylization of the painting. The pixilation represents the reliance on the digital images to hold onto memories, but also serves as a blurring effect to symbolize how holding onto the past too much can blind us from our present experiences. The realism symbolizes taking the time to slow down and enjoy small wonderful moments in our surroundings. These moments help us cope with loss, but will also become moments lost, as we move through life finding purpose and joy amongst the pain and grief.
Education and Career:
Bachelor of Arts in Education (Art K-12) from the University of North Florida
Master of Fine Arts in Visual Arts from Jacksonville University
Past Exhibitions:
2023 Teeny, Tiny, BOLD, Rountree Gallery, Platteville, WI
2022 Digital Directions, MFA Circle Gallery, Maryland Federation
of Art, Annapolis, MD
2022 Like Clockwork, Vestige Gallery, Pittsburgh, PA
2021 Up Close and Personal, Trolley Barn Gallery, The Art Effect,
Poughkeepsie, NY
2020 Divulge: A National Exhibition Featuring the Use of Art for
Therapy, Coping, & Mental Health Awareness, D’Art Center,
Norfolk, VA
2019 MFA in the Works, Alexander Brest Gallery, Jacksonville
University, FL
2017 Sketchbook Exhibition, ArtisTTable, online
2016 Northeast Florida Art Education Association Spring Member
Juried Show, Unity Plaza, Jacksonville, FL
2016 Ladies First, ArtisTTable, online
2013 Senior Exhibition, Lufrano Intercultural Gallery, University of
North Florida, Jacksonville, FL
2013 2nd Floor Galleries, University of North Florida,
Jacksonville, FL
2013 Student Juried Annual, Museum of Contemporary Art
Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL
2010 Water, Pablo Creek Library, Jacksonville, FL
