DAN DAILEY | VIDEOS

Working as an artist implies the intention to convey thoughts through the product of my labor. In every attempt to make a meaningful statement with a piece I put out in the world, it’s a shot in the dark because the recipients of my message are unknown and perhaps there won’t be anyone focused and thinking about the things I’ve produced. Many artist friends have expressed similar feelings to me; a kind of self doubt.

After years of art education to know and understand the history of art, particularly 20th century art, I place myself mentally in a continuum of working artists, turning the skills and experience I have gained toward my own expressive notions. This requires an optimistic outlook with expectation that the ideas I’ve realized in the finished works will be appreciated. When I receive good response and someone tells me what they feel about a piece it confirms my dedication to such an uncertain way of making a living, and has for many years provided the impetus to continue. It’s not the ego boost or the dollars that make such response a good thing, it’s the sense that what I have spent so much time making, and whatever resources I have invested to get the piece just right, resulted in something meaningful. 

Over many years Linda and I have come to know a lot of the people who own our art. Their variety of personalities, experiences, professions, and interests is a constant source of delight and appreciation for us. It is truly surprising to have so many friends all over the US, Europe, Japan, and elsewhere in the world. This way of engagement with the art world is a treasure that  we never expected, but it has become a profoundly delightful part our lives. 

Dan Dailey, April 7, 2020, Kensington, NH