Meet Mal Daniel of Downtown Durham, NC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mal Daniel

Hi Mal, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Kerrville, Texas; a small town full of southern hospitality and community. My family consisted of my mom and dad as well as my blended family of 5 older siblings. We quickly moved to Hunt, TX onto a YMCA children’s camp that my dad was the property manager of. I spent 13 years growing up on the camp year-round, which offered me an experience with nature and creativity that other children living in the town weren’t able to experience in the same way. I was exposed to art — painting, drawing, theater, band, chorus — everything you can imagine, and I fell in love. I would spend hours doing crafts and exploring the outdoors. When I was 14, my family moved to Alpharetta, GA, then later to Jasper, GA. I fell in love with the north Georgia mountains and scenery. In my adult life, I moved to Durham, NC where I found an incredibly artistic and supportive community. I continued to focus on painting, which expanded into my specialization of scenery and gothic motifs. My roots have always been planted deep in the south, with my father being from the mountains of Blairsville, GA, and my mother from Huntsville, AL. I’ve always had a love for history, which is the inspiration for many of my paintings as well. With the support from my boyfriend, parents, friends, and family, I felt confident enough to share my art with others.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My mental health was a major factor in my struggles. I usually felt confident in my abilities, but I often had a hard time finding the motivation to create. This has been a struggle for me since I was 13. It has been a journey of ups and downs, but I’ve been able to find solace in nature, loved ones, and medication. In 2023 and 2024, I faced the most difficult time of my life. My mom underwent 5 lifesaving surgeries throughout 2023. In December of 2023, one of my older brothers took his own life when our mom was in the operating room for her final surgery. Three months after his death, we found out that my dad had stage 3A lung cancer. While my parents are healing and in remission, the bond that has strengthened our family over the last two years has been unimaginable. I’ve learned that life is precious, short, and unexpected. Anything can happen, so why wait to do something you love?

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m an acrylic painter who typically paints canvases, but I’ve expanded into painting resourced wood. This is a new challenge for me, but I’ve enjoyed learning about how the wood interacts differently with paint. I use solely acrylic paint, a challenging medium that can be unforgiving with blending colors. I try to remain true to southern gothic roots, but vary slightly by dancing with the idea of the macabre. I find that my scenery paintings set me apart from other painters. I put detail and care into my paintings, making sure that every single one is up to my own standard.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Currently, I have an Instagram where people are able to view and purchase my art. I’m working on setting up a straightforward website, and I’m hoping to have prints available in some Downtown Durham, NC shops. I’m open to commissions and can be reached on Instagram or email where we can discuss what type of painting you are looking for. As of right now, I’ve never collaborated with another artist, but if you are interested, reach out via Instagram or email! I’d love to discuss ideas and new horizons.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @southernedge.studio
• Other: [email protected]