Meet Dana Coert | Visual Artist

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

Hi Dana, what are you inspired by?
Everything! I kid, my main inspiration is the great outdoors. I often find myself in the passenger seat of the car (or driver seat) and I see particular scenes/moments like a flash and I just know that I am going to return home and put that mental or physical image on some canvas and have it hanging in our home as a memory my husband and I will forever cherish. I find that what inspires me can also be the moments captured by others and I am fortunate enough to be able to recreate them through my art. In my opinion, the best gift one can receive is one that has been made. So of course, I take so much pride and find such joy in my commissions and the art I create for others, which allows them hang something beautiful that reminds them of a special moment in time or place.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is primarily focused on the environment around me. I have lived in a few, very different states so my inspiration has varied. One thing I am learning as the settings around me change, is that people interested in art that captures the nature around us, are more interested in art that invokes the beauty of the area they’re in or familiar with. I have adapted and changed my focus to sell art that does exactly that. Professionally, I am still in the beginning stages, but even that has had its challenges. Art is subjective so being denied by a gallery, or having art just sit on a wall waiting for its new home is always hard, because it is a personal expression of my creativity and that can be hard to not take personally sometimes. A lot of the really valuable input I have received has been from other artists and people in the art community. I want my art to be very personal. As I have said, I take a lot of pride in my ability to bring to life a moment or place in time that means something to the viewer, and that is what I want my brand to be known for–sort of momentarily teleporting the viewer to that place/moment or to at the very least begin a conversation about it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Depends on the friend. If they’re into thrift store shopping or antiquing, I have found some serious Goodwill gems here in the Springs, and we would shop until we drop, then have a fashion show at home and return anything that doesn’t fit/look good the next day. I also think the American Classics Antique Mall is a must see because there is really nothing like it. The small downtown in Florence has some very classic antique stores and the most amazing little cafe (Aspen Leaf Bakery and Cafe, in case anyone is interested). If on the other hand, we have a friend out looking to see the beauty that is Colorado, our number one spot is the Great Sand Dune National Park and Preserve–it’s a must see. Other outings unfortunately (due to one of our dogs having hip dysplasia), have to be pretty short, so we would go explore various open spaces nearby, or take a nice drive up Gold Camp Road, through Garden of the Gods, or out to Cripple Creek. For food/drink here in the springs we would do either lattes here at home, or MoGlow Coffee. Food? Slice 420 Pizza is the bomb dot com, and another must have. 3.14 Pie Bar is another good one for brunch/lunch and even dinner/dessert because they close at 9pm! Drinks? We are really into the drink selection and vibe of Father Sons Tap Room and Brewery. Being pretty new to the state of Colorado, I’d say there is undoubtedly a lot my husband and I have yet to see and checkout, so the itinerary for a week-long friend trip will be open-ended.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband, Jake has been the constant fire beneath me that motivates and supports me to push myself, in an effort to make my passion for art my career. My family and friends have been just as supportive and patient with me while I create, ask for critiques, scrap, and inevitably redo art pieces–until they’re complete. The few artistic communities I have been lucky enough to be a part of, have also been so impactful as additional sources of inspiration and motivation. I have such admiration for artists that have been able to take their dedication for creativity and turn it into a profession that brightens the world around us–so heres a shoutout to all of them as well!

Website: https://coertarts.com

Instagram: coert_arts