SYMBOLISM AND MEANING - The art of Danielle O'Connor Akiyama

SYMBOLISM AND MEANING - The art of Danielle O'Connor Akiyama

Danielle is driven by a profound curiosity and passion for discovery. Danielle loves the light, sea and peace she finds in Ireland, where her studio is designed by her husband.
Each of Danielle's paintings tell a unique narrative, as the viewer, we are able to connect with each painting in a very personal way. 

 

Journey Series Danielle has been working on this series since she started painting 50 years ago. A journey (the mountains and hills we must climb), represents our challenges, that we as humans must face. On the way we have aides of waterfalls to refresh, cherry blossoms to indicate new beginnings, temples and buildings as refuge to reset and take stock, and bridges to cross which represent the transitions and changes we all experience in our lives.

 Home in a Heartbeat, Original Painting on Box Canvas, 48 X 24"

Family Series

An ongoing series of works that represent the connectivity of those we hold dear, each family member is represented by a white bloom. This can be blood family, or those that we consider to be our family.

“No matter what the distance is between us, we are always united.”


Lifeline of Joy, Original Painting on Box Canvas, 30 X 30"Inches 

LIGHT

Light is a huge feature of Danielle’s paintings - you will notice that gorgeous channels of light are present in every piece. This is because Danielle likes to imagine that you can always look to the light as something to reach towards, something to aim for, thus giving the message that we should always aim upwards (and to the stars in her Northern Lights Series) and act now to live our dreams.

Dearest, Original Painting on Box Canvas,60 X 48"inches

WATERFALLS

Waterfalls in the work symbolise energy, power and a chance to wash anew, cleansed inside out.

CIRCLES
You will notice circular colorations of red and white and blue, these are intended as focal points to guide the eye across the painting. Each colour has its own meaning and aid the narrative of the overall painting.

The blue circles represent protection
The
red circles represent portent for the future.

The empty/ clear circles are left free for you to place your own feelings into them leaving our imagination integral to the work.


Curtains to the Sky, Original Painting on Box Canvas, 48 X 72"inches

Studio 74 invites you to an afternoon with Danielle, you will be able to experience her full new body of work as she celebrates her artistry over the past 50 years. Learning her story behind each incredible work of art and enlightening us with her complex artistic process. 

Feel free to speak to our gallery team to learn more or RSVP -
SUNDAY 6TH OCTOBER 3:30 - 5PM 

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