Dani
Heyward

My artwork usually begins with a photograph taken during one of my walks through local bushland or gardens. I'm constantly drawn to interesting flowers, foliage, and natural landscapes, and I often capture these moments as inspiration for future paintings. Back in the studio, I select images that spark my creativity and begin sketching and building layers of acrylic paint on canvas. I often work on several pieces at once, allowing each artwork to develop naturally. Once completed, the work is framed in beautifully restored timber, carefully selected and crafted to complement the painting. From there, the artwork is photographed, catalogued, and prepared for display.

During the pandemic, my hairdressing business was closed, so I turned to art as a creative outlet. Like many people, I spent a lot of time walking, and I was constantly stopping to photograph flowers and bushland so I could come home and capture them on canvas. With no formal art training, I learned through trial and error, while closely following some of my favourite artists and gradually developing my own style. I produced so much work that I started an Instagram page to document it all. No one was more surprised than I was when the paintings started to sell, and local businesses began approaching me to display my work in their shops. From there, things simply snowballed. I still consider myself an emerging artist and feel that I will always be learning and evolving. Sometimes I feel a little like an imposter, as the only art education I've ever had was a drawing class my mum sent me to when I was 12. But perhaps that's part of the journey—continuing to grow, experiment, and discover my own artistic voice.