It’s always the most exciting for me when I’m given creative freedom on a job, and those always end up being my favorites.
the way in your professional journey? What advice do you have for young artists wanting to pursue a career as a professional artist? Danielle Mahood: I’ve learned that there are no limits. If you’re not happy, find a way to do what you’re passionate about. My advice to any young artist would be to think outside the box. Use all the resources that are available to you because there are so many. If you have questions, ask them; chances are, there will be someone willing to tell you about their process. I have artist contacts all over the world that I’ve never even met in person, but they’re always willing to answer a question, and I try to do the same. Spotlight on Business: If you had the chance to do any project you could, what would that project be and why? Danielle Mahood: That’s a hard one. It’s always the most exciting for me when I’m given creative freedom on a job, and those always end up being my favorites. I always aim to make something about the
Danielle Mahood: One of my favorite projects that I’ve done on the mural side is the Swordfish mural in the Yarmouth Ferry Terminal parking lot. I have fond memories of painting that one. The weather was amazing. We were in the middle of a heat wave. It was hot for a straight week, and I finished it in seven days. People were driving by and honking and waving. I have really happy memories of doing that piece. It’s the first thing that tourists see when they get off the ferry from Maine. It’s an honor to give them that bright, cheerful first impression. Another favorite mural piece I just finished this past summer. It is located in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, at King Street Beer Company. I was commissioned by the building owner, who had taken the building from decrepit to something classy and modern. The building backs on a beautiful courtyard, which had also been neglected, so the mural was the final piece of the puzzle in creating a gorgeous, inviting space for locals to gather. The opposite wall is completely covered with ivy, along with some nice trees and the wrought iron fence. I loved my time there
in such an unsuspecting green space within the downtown!
Spotlight on Business: Tell us about the first time you were commissioned to complete a mural and seeing your completed project. Danielle Mahood: A lot of people think I only recently started doing murals, but that’s not the case. My first mural was when I was 13, after I was approached by some teachers in Junior High. I was a good student in art class, so they pulled me aside and asked if I would do it. It wasn’t until 2019, when I was approached by a local entrepreneur who asked me if I would be interested in doing a piece on the garage door of her business. She had seen my work at the Waterfront Art Gallery in Yarmouth, and she allowed my artistic freedom to be in control, trusting me, without even seeing my design beforehand.
Spotlight on Business: What is the biggest lesson you have learned along
72 SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • VOL 25 ISSUE 5
INNOVATION • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE 73
Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter maker