Jess Danyi

I am originally from Western Pennsylvania and am currently based in Philadelphia, PA. While I don't have a degree in studio art, I have taken various art classes throughout the years and have used art as an outlet for as long as I can remember. My current medium of pastels is primarily self-taught and, over time, this medium became central to my artistic expression, evolving into a cornerstone of my creative practice.

After taking a hiatus from art for several years, I found myself returning to it during a tumultuous period as my marriage was failing. This re-engagement with art felt like a reconnection with my true self. Previously reserved in my creative approach, I began embracing risks and the possibility of failure. This shift allowed me to experiment more freely, resulting in significant growth in my work.

Moving into a space alone for the first time in my life and cultivating deep friendships with those around me further shaped my perspective. These experiences emphasized the importance of intimacy—both with others and in solitude—as well as observing people in their environments to better understand them. My work increasingly reflects the beauty found in small, meaningful moments and seeks to capture the emotional depth of these connections. The soft yet vibrant nature of pastels allows me to emphasize these quiet, intimate moments while infusing them with energy and immediacy.

Additionally, I have been delving into my personal background and exploring how family influences us as adults. This includes examining familial connections that may be uncomfortable or less celebrated, as well as acknowledging how inherited influences shape our identities. One recurring theme in my work is the interplay between memory and identity, often expressed through self-portraits and familial depictions. These pieces invite viewers to consider the complexities of lineage and personal growth, encouraging them to reflect on their own relationships and histories.

Looking ahead, I plan to continue using my art as a means of self-exploration. This includes creating additional self-portraits as family members to pay respect—and perhaps a bit of irreverence—to their roles in shaping who I am today. I am also working on pieces that delve into how childhood behaviors and experiences influence our perspectives on life. By revisiting personal memories, I aim to uncover deeper insights into myself and foster a sense of shared introspection. Through this process, I hope to create work that resonates deeply with others, offering a space for connection and mutual reflection on the universal themes of growth, identity, and resilience.

My art is inspired by the intimate moments of everyday life, serving as a means of self-exploration through the day-to-day—from the quiet solitude of a favorite reading spot to the heaviness of a reflective moment on the couch. These small yet profound experiences inform my work, highlighting the beauty and complexity of the seemingly mundane.

I work primarily with pastels, a medium I view as both delicate and calm, yet simultaneously vibrant and energetic. My relationship with pastels began as an experiment with something unfamiliar. Though I initially approached it with hesitation, it quickly became my "home" medium. The tactile nature of pastels, with their ability to blend and their vibrancy allows me to convey intimacy and introspection with immediacy and depth, perfectly aligning with the themes I explore.

At its core, my art examines the world around me and my place within it. Over time, this exploration has deepened, moving beyond surface-level observations to a focus on personal history and the role of family in shaping who I am. Art has become my way of processing and understanding my inner world, which is why self-portraits feature prominently in my work. One notable piece, a self-portrait as my grandmother, allowed me to reflect on the profound impact of family on identity, often in ways we may not consciously realize. This merging of personal history and creative expression seeks to bridge the past and present, highlighting the interconnectedness of generations.

Through my work, I aim to tap into the universal yearning for self-understanding. By inviting viewers to connect with the themes of memory, identity, and introspection, I hope to create a shared space for reflection and self-discovery.

PA