If you’ve been in search of a place to join creative minds, meet others and get yer’ craft on – look no farther. Danielle is the visual artist and art instructor behind The Travelling Artisan. Bringing together her passion for all art mediums (acrylic painting, weaving & watercolour) and teaching, Danielle has found a way to share her art as well as her love for it to others.
Danielle – THE TRAVELLING ARTISAN
WHAT DO YOU MAKE/SELL? TELL US ABOUT YO’ SELF.
My name is Danielle Folkerts, I was born and raised in Lacombe Alberta. My current art practice draws together mixed media acrylics, watercolor and weaving with dreamy color schemes, rich textures and playful mark making. It’s an open platform to explore and discuss a multitude of interests including: local and global landscapes, travel, color therapy and abstraction found in nature.
When I’m not creating, you can find me attending markets and art shows around the province! I also run a variety of art classes and workshops for all ages. To view any upcoming workshops see: www.thetravellingartisan.org.
My formal education includes a Visual Arts Diploma from Red Deer College, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Alberta College of Art and Design. In addition, over the past few years I’ve attended a number of workshops and residencies around the globe including: Tuscany Italy, Vernon BC and Picton Ontario. I am so passionate about art and travel, and I marry the two at any opportunity! Currently, I’m in Calgary at the Calgary Farmers Market!
HOW LONG HAVE YOU HAD YOUR BUSINESS?
It’s been developing since 2009!
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?
When I was little, I was constantly drawing out interior decorating ideas, house layouts and fashion items– I still have the drawings, they are precious. Ultimately, deciding to go for my Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2009 kick started my journey! I haven’t looked back.
WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOUR WORK?
I’m inspired by a little bit of everything! Right now I’d say I’m strongly fueled by rich colors and patterns I come across in my own travel photography, interior design, and nature!
WHAT DO YOU DREAM FOR YOUR BUSINESS IN THE FUTURE?
I am excited to head out to Ontario this fall for my next artist residency. I am always striving for every opportunity to make new work full time, sell original artwork and teach workshops! My biggest dream is to have my own studio, and run art & travel retreats!
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM AND WHY?
I feel like Instagram was made for the arts community! Never in my wildest dreams could have imagined discovering so many wildly talented women locally and globally to connect and work with! Plus, it’s daily inspiration and motivation!
HOW DO YOU PICK YOURSELF UP WHEN THINGS GO WRONG?
When things aren’t going swell I either get outside for a good bike ride, grab some chocolate, have a hot shower, or surround myself with creative and supportive people.
WHAT’S ONE THING NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT YOU?
Well over the past few years I’ve been living a bit nomadically. With art and travel leading the way, I’ve been able to move around, work in different places and travel to different countries, all while pursuing a creative career. Plus, having a partner in the military has turned out to be quite the match.I ts allowed us both to be flexible and travel (although I do like when we are home together the most)! He’s my rock, and this crazy lifestyle keeps us on our toes.
IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPER POWER WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Hands down time-travel!
WHAT ARE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES? (Please include links)
Website – www.thetravellingartisan.org
Instagram @thetravellingartisan
Facebook – Danielle Folkerts Studio
WHERE CAN WE FIND YOUR STUFF?
You can currently find my artwork at Timeworn Charm in Lacombe, and Crafted at the Calgary Farmers Market. I also have a big mixed media show at Blindman Brewery in Lacombe, and will have another show up at Greater Goods in Calgary this June-July. I am also excited to announce my Etsy shop The Travelling Artisan will be back up this June as well!