Chocolatecity.cc Interviews Painter Dana Todd

Dana Todd

Born and raised in Chicago, IL., Dana struck the artistic nerve early on. Having never taken a single painting lesson, her gifts, she proclaims, are a testament from God that reminds her to remain humble. She proudly states, “It’s the first thing I knew I could do well and I know it’s what God made me to do.” The focus of her ingenuity is African-American children and families.

Aiming to build and articulate pride in one self, she proclaims is her foremost inspiration.While distinctively displaying her thoughts and emotions on canvas, Dana Todd becomes the flare that guides any brush she embraces. Dana is sure to be the next big thing in the art world. Creatively affirming the African- American family and its age old tradition at its best, she has proven that she can be versatile in any genre of her craft. From modeling, to acting, to designing, this rising young artist is the perfect quadruple threat.

Some of Dana’s current clients include artist, songwriter, and producer Anthony

Curious by Dana Todd

Hamilton and patrons of prominent art gallery in the historical Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago, Gallery Guichard. In early 2007, Ms. Todd had the privilege of showcasing and selling in the National Black Fine Arts Show (NBFAS) in New York City. From the five thousand works in NBFAS, she had the honor of her painting, “Knowin’ Where I Come From,” be one of twenty pieces selected by Macy’s New York. She was featured in an exhibit amongst the works of acclaimed artists Charles White, Barkley Hendrix, and Robert Graham Carter in Macy’s Herald Square store. This Summer Ms. Todd debuted and sold at another major show, “Embrace,” held at the Mason Murer Gallery in Atlanta, Georgia.

On November 18, 2007, Dana was named Grand Prize Winner of the A.R.I.S.E. (To Actively Raise and Inspire People to Successfully Build Businesses with Excellence) Business Plan Writing Competition held by The Salem Baptist Church Of Chicago partnered with The Chicago Urban League. She won $5000 seed money for her book publishing company, a business consultant and a one year membership to the Chicago Urban League.

Chocolate Vanilla Peach and Strawberry by Dana Todd

Equipped with the highest level of style and astute ability, Dana Todd is sure to have a long and illustrious career ahead of her, following closely in the steps of the admirable ones that have come before her, leaving lasting footprints of her own.

Recently, ChocolateCity.cc was granted the opportunity to interview Artist, Dana Todd:

CC: Why and when did you start painting?

As a freshman at the University of Illinois, I had left over book voucher money so I bought a Golden Acrylic Paint Kit. I’ve been painting with Golden ever since. I’ve been drawing all my life.

CC: Who is your role model?

I have so many. My mother Geneva Todd, Annie Lee, and even Oprah. There are so many women who have pursued their passion and who are excellent in business. I take bits and pieces from them all.

CC: What do you do for fun (besides painting)?

I’m involved in the church choir, I spend time with my honey Exavier and my daughter Emory, I restaurant hop with my friends and I enjoy my life, everyday.

CC: If you were not an artist what would you be?

I wouldn’t exist. I know as sure as Stevie Wonder knows he was “born to love her” that I was born to be an artist. GOD creates each and every one of us with a purpose. It is our design and who we are. Denying one’s purpose is denying oneself. For many years I struggled with the balance of doing what others saw as appropriate for my life and the creativity my spirit craved. As I matured, I realized art is my life, my journey and my destiny. I am an artist. I am a divinely appointed record keeper of this time and this place using my eyes and hands.”

Me and My Dad by Dana Todd

CC: What famous artists have influenced you, and how?

Well, Annie Lee of course, Ted Ellis, Chicago Artists Floyd Atkins, Pearlie Taylor, Bruce Jefferson, Andre Guichard, and every other artist or work that I have encountered in my life. They have all given me the courage to be who I am and to be smart about it.

CC: Is there any symbolic meaning or messages in your paintings, or are they mostly about paint and creating a painting?

I aim to build and articulate self-love and pride in oneself. These are parts of the foundation for all greatness. I also focus on relationships and how they make life so much more purposeful.

CC: What inspires you to create art and how do you keep motivated when things get tough in the studio?

An easier question would be, “what doesn’t inspire me?” God is awesome. There is beauty in all people, places, and situations. I keep motivated by remembering what I am trying to convey through my work. When I have a lot to do, I sometimes become flustered. I just take a break, write a list and put one foot in front of the other.

CC: How have you handled the business side of being an artist?
Great. I was a model for eight years before I began pursuing art so a lot of the business techniques I learned transferred over. It is difficult to handle the administrative side when I am in creation mode so I have recently procured a business manager and he is an invaluable asset.

CC: When did you first realize you are an artist?

I was three years old, in pre-school, and we had an assignment to do a self-portrait. The teacher marveled at the detail present in my drawing. She showed the rest of the class and they told me how great it was. I remember feeling proud recognizing that drawing was the first thing I could do well.

CC: What is it that inspires you to paint a particular subject?
I paint a lot of images of African American children. When I paint, I accentuate characteristics that the media may try to place a negative spin on. Kinky hair and all shades of brown skin are the focal points of my work. I want children to be able to identify with the images in my paintings. I want them to look at my work and see the beauty and the greatness in themselves. If I accomplish this, I’ve done my job.

CC: What advice would you give to an African-American artist just starting out?
First, I would say write a business plan. I know fine art is your passion but, it is also a business and should be treated as such. There aren’t a lot of printed resources out there for black artist but, there are black artists. Working Artist. Paid Artist! They are so willing to answer questions and give you direction. You just have to ask. Second, I would suggest that you really think about your voice as an artist. Artists are respected and people listen to what they have to say. This is your opportunity to change the world. Use it wisely. Third, please drop the myth of the starving artist. Yes, some are starving but, there are quite a few eating just fine. Visit Gallery Guichard in Chicago (3521 S. King Dr.), and you’ll see what I’m talking about. It changed my whole mentality toward artists. Fourth, if your heart is in the right place and you are working in the spirit of excellence, EXPECT Great Things to Happen and they Will.

CC: Ms. Todd, thanks and we appreciate you taking the time to talk with us.