Today we’d like to introduce you to Triniti Danns.
Hi Triniti, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always loved art.
Prior to moving to Wilmington, I did not take any classes on art. I visually learned through looking at other artists and their art. Before my family moved here we traveled across the country. Instead of confining us to a room my Mom chose to make the world our classroom and we had little to no homework. What we did do, was go to countless museums all over the country.
My whole family is artistic, all of them are artists. My parents and oldest sister are actors, my oldest sister also sings, along with my father, my twin sister is a dancer, and my little sister is a photographer that messes around with paint and 2D art from time to time.
When we traveled and went to all of those museums we loved it even though the walks were super long. It was and is a very important part of how I see art, including my own. It continues to have an impact on how I create it too.
Arriving in Wilmington, I thought it was a pit stop, and that we were gonna keep going. Yet, we settled down and I was introduced to DREAMS. I didn’t want to go at first because when Covid happened, all socializing was just off, which made me timid with most people. Another deterrent was that I wanted to have more time with my art. When I went to Dreams it was awkward. I was scared. I had to go onstage three times for three different classes, two of which were poetry. I quickly realized performing poetry wasn’t my favorite thing and between those classes I signed up for some with Ms. Camm, an art teacher at DREAMS.
I signed up for Ms. Camm’s class again and again. My first time in her class, the class had the opportunity to put up our art at the Arboretum. It was a lot of fun. I had not painted much at the time, so I had only one piece in the whole show. The rest were the others. On the second day, I sold it. It was my first exhibition, first painting I completed, and first time I sold my art. I joined her classes over and over showcasing art with the rest of the class in places that included coffee shops, the Bellamy Mansion, the Cameron Art Museum, and art galleries. She even offered me to be her apprentice, where I experienced beautiful art made by children. I learned how to curate different works of art, showcase even more and volunteer at the Martin Luther King center and help more young artists. Through the apprenticeship with Ms. Camm, I learned a lot and applied the expertise she shared to showcase my art and continue to create.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been a bumpy road. I never realized how stressful deadlines were until we exhibited at Bellamy Mansion. I only had one painting at my first show, therefore I wanted to make sure I had more fore this exhibit so that I could give a better representation of my art style.
Another challenge is that I often overthink when it comes to colors. I want to be positive or pretty confident before I start painting. I never wanted to waste paint by painting over colors or the manual work either.
Artist blocks create challenges of their own. Constant overflowing creativity twenty four seven would be fantastic but that is not the case. It can be really stressful not having a single clue on what to do. Staring at a blank canvas with no idea where to begin can be frustrating and scary.
Along with bumps there were also those in between things and moments. There are also things that flatten this bumps. For example, the reason I complete paintings and works of art as much as I do, is because every time I made a mistake, I was told “It will turn out exactly how it’s supposed to.” This helps me keep going and not give up. The bumps have also guided me in directions that I may have not explored otherwise. Knowing that the mistakes are not the end of the world helps me take more chances, be braver and bolder in my art.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Though I get much of my inspiration and ideas from looking at the work of other artists, nature, movies, my surroundings and even books. I like to think my art style is not only unique but also a medium that penetrates the eye to take people on a visual journey, tapping into new feelings and perspectives.
I specialize in mixed media art, primarily watercolor. Making vibrant, fantastical, and bold art is one of the things I love most about art. It feels unreal to have the ability to transfer what is inside me to a tangible piece of art that all can see. It originates inside me and is transferred via my hand but when I finally see the final piece, it’s as if I’m seeing it for the first time. It is not as easy, yet I love every aspect of it. There are always what I feel are mistakes and but it makes me most proud when I have finished a work of art then realize that all the mistakes and errors were part of the process and an amazing investment in time that made my art more beautiful and interesting.
I am mostly known for my mixed media pieces. When I do my art I like to incorporate nature, colorful girls, and stories.
I believe my mixed media pieces would catch your eye and hold you there for a moment. I believe my work is unique because of the way I incorporate colors, nature and people.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Wilmington is beautiful on the outside. I love the water front, scenery, buildings and I like going to school here. Though it is gorgeous here, the history behind what and who I see plagues my mind whenever I go outside, wherever I go.
I love going downtown here. I love looking around at the colorful buildings and beautiful shops. Art galleries are everywhere, I get ideas and inspiration from looking at art in galleries here.
The waterfront is beautiful and I love looking at the land across the river and the bridges when I want to relax. Whenever I walk along the river I see birds, beautiful clouds and get a nice breeze. I love those things about Wilmington.
What I do not like about Wilmington is the history of oppression against African Americans. Wilmington could be a hundred times more diverse and I would see more people who look like me if not for the history of Wilmington.
The coup in 1898 is only an example of the magnitude that the racist people of Wilmington executed in attempt to ensure African Americans remain disadvantaged. When I think about how much better Wilmington would be like if that had never happened, it saddens me. I do not feel the same about Wilmington or its buildings and beautiful scenery when I think about the history and the racist names of streets and buildings. When I think about the events that took place in the past as well as the residual effects that it had on the families that are currently living here and elsewhere much of the beauty tends to fade.
Pricing:
- Prints that are not framed are $25 and up
- Framed prints are $50 and up
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Candiart27
