Today we’d like to introduce you to A.C. Daniel.
Hi A.C. , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Artist Bio
CSRA based artist A.C. Daniel has been drawing and painting just about as long as he’s been alive. He’s spent the last few years mastering his pen and ink style and painting murals when given the opportunity. Charcoal and pastel works are a big focus lately. A.C. is currently enjoying teaching middle school art classes at the Episcopal Day School and Aiken Senior Life Services.
There’s my bio. I’ll add a little more history to that. I grew up in a religion that made me pretty fearful about the world and at odds with myself. Spending time at an ashram and exploring spirituality on my own terms led to a life of openness to whatever there might be in the unknown without making conclusions. I value my unwillingness to draw conclusions about the ultimate nature of things above much else. It keeps me honest with myself. I started painting with a group called Artzilla a few years back and it has changed my life. They’re a group of insanely skillful artists who meet up to paint live at Arts in the Heart of Augusta and other local events. They’ve become some of the most important friendships of my life.
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?
Transcending religious pain has been a huge one. Self acceptance. I’ve had to do a lot of growing with all of that. General learning to function in society and in friendships gracefully as possible is an ongoing journey. Some important guides have been Mooji, Sadhguru, Gangaji, and Monk Tom
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I love charcoal, pastels, and oil paint. I enjoy rendering creatures and fantastical scenes. I’ve invested more in my pen and ink work than everything else so far. Been getting more and more into color in the last few years. I’m most proud of the paintings and drawings I’ve done with Artzilla at events, I think. We’ll often have three days or something to complete complex works of art. I think my willingness to connect with other artists and our community through teaching kind of sets me apart. I teach a free class at Aiken Senior Life Services once a week and at a middle school.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I want to enjoy myself and not have to worry about survival and share good times with people I love. Being able to do what I want when I want is such a beautiful thing. Walks in parks and make the art I want are at the top of the list.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: a.c.sart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/a.c.daniel.886120?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
