We recently had the chance to connect with Dany Green and have shared our conversation below.
Dany, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
My alarm goes off around 7:30 am, and after a couple of snoozes, I’m up by 8:00 am. I usually get up, get a glass of water, and light some incense.
Then I get back in bed to write my Morning Pages, a practice that I started after reading “The Artist Way” by Julia Cameron. It is a brain dump where I write anything and everything on my mind for three pages.
After that I write a to-do list for the day, which typically includes working on a new piece, creating social media content, writing about artwork, meditation, etc. And then I respond to any emails or DMs. I really enjoy a slow morning, so when I’m able to, I love to read for about 20-30 minutes before getting dressed and going for the day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a self-taught mixed media artist whose unique approach pushes the boundaries of traditional mosaics. My art practice works to jump the gap between the literal and the imagined. I am originally from the Philadelphia area, but currently based in Baltimore City. My work has been exhibited at Strathmore’s Invitational Gallery, Latela Curatorial, and Art of Noize Gallery. I occasionally teach mosaic workshops at local establishments such as Shop Made in D.C., as well as virtually.
Recently, I completed a 17x33ft mosaic mural honoring the late Judge Leah Brock McCartney for George Washington University in Washington D.C. The mural will be installed on Gelman library in the fall of 2025. Currently, I am working on a new series that explores using Afrofuturism as a guide for navigating rapidly advancing technology and the evolution of human consciousness.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I was very impractical. I was an impractical dreamer. As a child, I would dream up fantastical homes, innovative, funky clothes, and plan extravagant party themes. As I entered my teenage years, my dreams slowly shrank down into “realistic” boxes.
I found a note that I wrote at 16 when I was struggling to figure out what I wanted to do for a living. I listed my interests and next to “mosaics”, I added that “I could never do that, it’s too hard and hurts my fingers”. A funny note, considering that at the time, I was only using found materials like broken glass bottles. As my fourth year of being a full-time artist comes to a close, I am becoming painfully aware of how limiting “practical thinking” can be for building a beautiful life. Our visible scope of what is possible is limited by our past experiences and our environment. Embracing “impractical thinking” is something that we should all entertain more often.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You are worthy of the life of your dreams. Invest in yourself.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
You can always change. If there is something in your life that you don’t like and want to change, you can do it. It may take time, and it will certainly require creative thinking, but it can be done. If you approach every day with that mindset, then a year later, you will see how much your life has changed.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
My art practice is very zen, and reaching a meditative state while working is a common occurrence. I can sit for hours, adhering pieces of stained glass and mirror to the wood substrate. The sweet spot is when I’m about 50% done and the form is set, so I can focus on color. This is when I start to “paint with glass”.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://danygreen.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danyxart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danygreenmosaic
