Meet Aleah | Mixed Media Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aleah and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aleah, what is the most important factor behind your success?
For me, the most important factor in my success was learning to stay true to my voice, even when I felt it wasn’t as impactful as other artists. When I first started pursuing an art career, I was painting in styles that I thought were most awe-inspiring or trendy, but something always felt off. It wasn’t until I started to understand myself, what I found beautiful, and why I found those things beautiful, that I was able to create a body of work that was true to me. Not only did I enjoy my process so much more, but collectors felt more connected to what I was authentically passionate about, even when my work wasn’t as flashy as the next artist’s.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work often portrays a very soft, quiet feeling, but also a deep emotional element. I love to use classic book pages and poetry to collage into my artwork. The words and scenes are nostalgic and personal in a distant, dreamy way. My goal is to invite an energy of peace and fulfillment into the hearts of the observer. I have found so much strength and joy in the simple and often tedious process of life and want to encourage others to enjoy the moment, no matter how simple.

One of the challenges I have faced is learning not to compare my style and voice to others. In a world where bright, fast, and polished is often rewarded, I worried that my quiet, soft style would get lost and easily forgotten. After seeing collectors be so moved by my work and tell me how it brought them peace or fulfillment, I know that I must keep creating what feels most honest and authentic to me.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would definitely take them for coffee and tea every day at either Feel Love Coffee or Dark Heart Coffee in Loveland! The vibes in these shops are so inviting and lovely. I would explore some of my favorite trails around Horsetooth Reservoir and Devil’s Backbone. We must get ramen, if not once than twice or three times at Kujira Ramen in Fort Collins, dinner at Door 222, and Wine at Sweetheart Winery where some of my artwork is on display!

I love this area because there are endless possibilities for making memories and so many places to enjoy the company of others. That is really what my artwork is about too!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am so grateful to my parents, Danneil Ware and Scott Ware. They always told me, from a very young age, that I would do something incredible that would change the world, which seems like an enormous expectation for a little girl, but those words gave me permission to dream bigger than most. The dream of becoming an artist is one that most parents would discourage in favor of a more prestigious or obtainable career choice, but my Mom and Dad encouraged me to pursue something I deeply enjoyed. I have been able to live out many of my dreams because of this and I am so grateful!

I also would shout out my Husband, Hazen Walmsley. Through building his own business (JHJ Window Cleaning) beside my own, he has encouraged me to keep going even when things have been hard. I’m so proud of what we have both accomplished and I can’t wait to see where our businesses take us.

Website: https://aleahdanae.com

Instagram: @aleahdanae_

Facebook: Aleah Danae

Image Credits
Olive Thompson Photography