How long have you been making your art?
Danielle: I’ve been making Art since I was a kid. My parents packed up a giant bag of art supplies and activities for our summer road trips, and I remember doing a lot of drawing in the backseat of the car as we toured the SouthWest over the summers. My dad likes to remind me that his nickname for me as a kid was “Doodle”.
Currently I make mixed media pieces, knit & crochet, play with polymer clay, laser cut stuff, and dabble with graphic design.
What are your influences? Who or what inspires you?
Danielle: I am heavily influenced by the Kabuki comic artist David Mack, and abstract artist Kim Darling. David inspired me to continue to use found materials and experiment with different ways of using traditional materials, while Kim helped me develop my imagery as a student in her classes at the Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha.
Right now I am inspired to work with other advocates in the Liberty movement to create positive messaging & spread solutions in a way that is visually appealing and accessible.
I have heard that you have auctioned some of your artwork as fundraisers for the Washington Libertarian Party. What can you tell me about that?
Danielle: I made 2 mixed media porcupines and a bee with origami, glass, paint, and markers, which sold for between $90-$150 each at the LPWA convention in 2021. Since then I’ve done smaller mixed media porcupine pieces on paper and other things, like hand sewn tote bags, knitted beanie’s with porcupines, coasters with Spike’s face on them, jewelry, and more. For the 2022 convention I made the Torchlight, Gadsden, and Liberty Bell awards on my glowforge and I painted them. I’m happy to do the same for other affiliates if they shoot me an email.
Do you create art with a specific message, or do you prefer art for arts sake?
Danielle: I prefer art for art’s sake, but I am just as happy collaborating with others or helping someone get their message out. Art is about play and expression to me, so when I make art I usually put on some music or a podcast & just zone out.
I also love to help other people explore their creativity by bringing a sketchbook to outings with friends & encourage them to help me make some art as a group. It’s been an interesting journey trying to transition from making physical art for fun, to using the computer to make graphics for events & t shirts now!
What is your creative process like? What tools and methods do you use to make your art?
Danielle: When I make physical art I usually start on canvas of paper with sharpies or paint makers. Sometimes I start with just a splash of paint that didn’t want to waste from a previous project. My most recent series of porcupines were made in several steps: first I stenciled the porcupines on paper & painted them. Then I added abstract details & designs with sharpies, paint markers & more paint. While those steps dried I folded origami paper, which I added just before doing some final paint splatters & touch ups. I also work with clay to cover cat food cans for upcycled pots that I put my propagated plants in when they’re ready.
How long have you considered yourself a libertarian?
Danielle: I registered as a libertarian when I got my drivers license in California back in 2004, but didn’t get involved or do much until I moved to Washington in 2019 and joined the county board. I’ve now served on 2 State Execute Committees, 3 county-level boards, and was the volunteer coordinator for Washington for Jorgensen.
What do you think the role of art should be in the libertarian movement?
Danielle: To make liberty look appealing. The biggest complaint I have about our messaging is that it’s not aesthetically pleasing. We get these t shirts & memes with block letters in black and white, or “edgy” phrases that I just don’t want to promote.
I live in a very artistic city with beautiful graffiti, murals, and DIY posters for political movements that inspire me and make me want to get involved. But none of that art is libertarian, or promoting freedom. I want to change that by making graphics and wearables that make the folks in my city who feel politically homeless feel like they might belong with us.
Where can people go to view and purchase your art?
Danielle: Sylar-Art.com is my website where you can find links to my minimally used social media accounts & drop ship stores. If folks want to collaborate on graphics or fundraiser donations they should email me at DSylar.Art@gmail.com
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