Artist Statement ~
As an artist, I believe that storytelling is one of the most powerful ways we have to share experiences and create new connections. In my art, I strive to create narratives that not only reflect my own experiences, but also speak to the universal themes of human emotion, connection, and understanding. Every painting is a small glimpse into a fantasy world that is both mine and yet shared with anyone who views it.
I have two contiguous bodies of work. The first, my fantasy illustrations, depict whimsical worlds full of creatures and animals. They are more than just a pretty picture; there is deeper meaning behind every piece. Sometimes, that deeper meaning is a silly one-liner. My other body of work is still taking shape, but I have been calling it the Anatomical Botanical series. They are more symbolic than my illustrations, depicting human organs and anatomy composed entirely out of botanical elements. The stories emerge through the reasons I choose the organ, and the plants’ symbolic meanings. I have found I am equally passionate about both series. The entire time I’m working on a fantasy illustration I’m thinking of the symbolism of plants, and as I’m painting my scientific themes, I’m already planning my next fantastical world. Nevertheless, storytelling is always essential to the pieces.
I want my art to be a conversation starter, to spark connections between my personal stories that I share, and the viewer’s own personal events and experiences. In a world that often feels fragmented and disconnected, I find that stories have the ability to unite us. When I share my struggles with endometriosis, viewers open up and immediately share their own interactions with the disease. And when I share that a raven is offering shelter from the rain, in exchange for a pot of tea from a mouse, the viewer thinks back on the last time they shared what they could out of love for another being. Or perhaps, the last time they had tea.
Artist Biography ~
Dana Edwards is a female watercolor artist. Her work is an exploration of mythology mixed with personal symbolism. She enjoys working on projects from picture books to gallery works, and storytelling is always essential to the pieces. She draws inspiration from folklore and mythology from cultures around the world and most importantly the nature that surrounds her. When not painting Dana can be found going on walks and hikes searching for mushrooms, squishing in mud, and attempting to save snails and slugs off the sidewalk.
Select Exhibition History~
2025: Elemental, Raven’s Nest Gallery, Escondido, CA
2025: Vista Fantasy Art Show, Twisted Horn Mead and Cider, Vista, CA
2025: Creature Comforts, Studio ACE Gallery, Oceanside, CA
2025: Teeny Tiny Art Mart, Oceanside Museum of Art, Oceanside, CA
2024: Forage, Raven’s Nest Gallery, Escondido, CA
2024: Dreamscapes, San Diego Mesa College Gallery, San Diego, CA
2024: Spirited: Artist Alliance at Brooks Theater, Brooks Theater, Oceanside, CA
2024: Radiant: OMA Artist Alliance at SIP Art Space, SIP Art Space, San Diego, CA
2023: Teeny Tiny Art Mart, Oceanside Museum of Art, Oceanside, CA
2023: The Endo Show, San Diego Mesa College Gallery, San Diego, CA
2023: Blue, Pink, Gold, SIP Art Space, San Marcos, CA
2022: Teeny Tiny Art Mart, Oceanside Museum of Art, Oceanside, CA
2021: Teeny Tiny Art Mart, Oceanside Museum of Art, Oceanside, CA
2019: Looking Forward, Looking Back, San Diego Mesa College Gallery, San Diego, CA
2016: Domo and the Gato: A Domo Kun & Hello Kitty Show, Thumbprint Gallery, San Diego, CA