Today we’d like to introduce you to Audrey Dahl
Hi Audrey, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have been connected to art since childhood. Growing up I always kept a sketch book and pencils on me, doodling where ever I went. Taking art classes in school deepened my understanding of art and different mediums. However, it wasn’t until high school that I truly became passionate about art. During this period of my life I was experiencing great mental health challenges. Art therapy was introduced to me as a tool to cope, and it immediately solidified my connection to art. In art therapy I practiced authentically expressing myself through art work, and I found my creative voice. Since then I have perused art as a passion, eventually branching out into selling my work. I have been selling my art for about 7 years now, partaking in various markets and events through out the twin cities. During this time I have also organized various artistic events, working alongside many other lovely local artists.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s been a very bumpy road for me, especially the past two years. My greatest challenge has been my struggles with mental health, and learning how to take care of my brain. This became especially prominent when two years ago I got in a car accident that left me with a mild brain injury. This greatly impacted my mental health and everyday life. Historically art had always been an outlet for maintaining my mental health, but after this injury I had to take a break from art. I was no longer able to do markets full time, and I creatively slowed down. My eyes changed after my accident too, making painting more challenging. I am only now seeing a resurgence of my creative energy after taking a lot of time to heal my brain and body. I have had to learn how to adjust my creativity to match my mental capacity, taking things one day at a time, and not over committing creatively.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a multimedia artist, prominently working with acrylic paint on canvas. I also often work making beaded jewelry, linocut prints, and collages. My art work is very vibrant, playful and surreal. Almost all of my work explores emotional themes, documenting my current feelings and experiences. I want my art work to provide a sense of emotional comfort and relatability to the viewer. I want to capture the feelings of the human experience, so that any one can connect to my work. I am most proud of the healing my art work has allowed others to experience. By being able to creatively capture my emotions, I am creating room for other people to experience and recognize their own emotions. And that’s a pretty amazing thing to see.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was a very creative and sensitive child. I have always had a very strong imagination and have preferred to day dream. Growing up I spent a lot of time exploring and tinkering, playing in nature and building various things. I have been very curious and creative my whole life. I do my best to maintain this playful creative energy to this day.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/audrey.marie.designs/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/artbyoddrey/
