danielle o’connor akiyama is a Toronto based Canadian artist who has painted for more than thirty years.  While working towards a degree in art therapy, she has worked with emotionally disturbed adolescents and oncology patients. Since leaving her work as a therapist, danielle has dedicated herself to the life of painting.

danielle’s style is loose and impressionistic.  Firmly rooted in the tradition of watercolor, her painting has evolved into a spirit of exploration. Her personal vocabulary which includes acrylics and oils as well, all evoke a sense of excitement of the journey.

in order to understand the strength and simplicity of a single brushstroke, danielle studied sumi-e, Japanese brushpainting.  Upon receiving her master’s seal, the head sensei named her “Chi-Sho”, which means ‘a source of joy’, and embodies both the artistic process and the observers viewpoint.  Each work bears her chop as well as her signature ‘danielle.

This mastery of blending east/west artisty is evident, and has led to her works being highly prized by many Asian collectors.  Strength of skill and brush technique, (fude no chikara), blend with knowledge of color and shadow, giving rise to beauty’s voice.  Impressions and feelings are absorbed in meditation, synthesized, and brought into being by the mighty stroke of a charged brush.

Whether it be a riotous party of flowers, a single magnificent blossom, or a tranquil terrain of a place remembered, there is always a hidden mystery in the underpainting. This aspect of danielle’s work is what lies at the heart of her creations.

Her use of layering evokes a cadence, which echoes back to the moment of original inspiration. .

Full of free spirited joy; driven by courage and intention, guided by nature’s beauty, each stroke is a step on a journey; each painting a cycle in the evolution of style, leading to the frontier of a possibility.