Interview by Molly Cross-Blanchard
When the PRISM team first began to discuss integrating artwork into the print issue, Danielle Friesen’s name was one of the first to come up. Her ink drawings are simple and dynamic, muscular and feminine, and best represented what we hoped to accomplish with 58.1: FIGURES. Keep reading for a conversation between Danielle and poetry editor Molly Cross-Blanchard about process, collaboration, and inspiration.
Can you tell us a bit about the series of pieces titled “a b s e n c e”, featured in issue 58.1: FIGURES? What is it about the bodily form that captures your attention?
a b s e n c e is a selection of pieces from an explorative series focusing on the human form. These pieces in particular are derived from feeling inadequate or living in a passive state. We are all so intricate. The vision is to strip away all of those intricacies and commit to a sole emotion that all people can relate to.
What has your artistic journey been like? In other words, how did you come to your artistic practice, where are you right now, and where do you hope to be?
Art has always been a part of my life. It wasn’t until 2016 I fully embraced the thought of pursuing it. I desire to learn new things, and so I embarked on going to design school. The two-year program allowed me the space to evolve as a maker, and now I am independently creating from a shared studio. I hope to continue making and learning every day. This chapter should never be closed.
As a visual artist, you’ve collaborated with dramaturges, musicians, writers, and (I’m sure) more. What is it about collaboration that excites you? Who is your dream collaborator?
Collaborating with other artists evokes original ideas that are so thoughtful. Like-minded folk trust in your abilities and respect the process. It is exhilarating to brainstorm scribbles of ideas and develop a final piece. Dream collaborator? I can’t say that I have one person in mind, rather a community of people striving to understand what it means to do something good.
You create digitally and with ink and paper. Do you live in the same headspace when using each medium, or are they wholly different artistic experiences?
The two mediums exist in completely different headspaces. Rather, all mediums have their own needs that affect how I process each piece. Ink is very comfortable for me to use. It hasn’t been until the past few years that I’ve delved into the digital world, and I have much to learn.
When you look out at the world, what do you see that makes you want to create? And how does that manifest on the page?
I see a lot of beings that have a voice to be heard. It is a feeling that you cannot shake. Continually seeing an image in your head, or experiencing a feeling that just won’t leave. These emotions are told through visual storytelling. There is no one way for each piece. It all depends on what has been stirred within.
Where can readers find you and your work, and how can they support you?
You can find me on Instagram: @friesen_deli or at my website. The pieces featured in this issue are for sale, and I just love meeting new folks.
Danielle Friesen is a visual artist, illustrator, and graphic designer from Winnipeg. The selection of ink drawings featured in 58.1 are from a collection of pieces exploring the human figure in its simplest form. Danielle gravitates to working in ink and believes its permanency has an honest and authentic quality. She would like to thank PRISM for the opportunity to be featured in their 58.1 FIGURES issue and is honored to be paired alongside artists sharing experiences with the world.