Freedom from Expression: An Artist Spotlight

He studied in Germany for six months, doodling along the way.

He sold his art online.

He opened an art gallery in his backyard.

And he is our new cartoonist.

But he doesn’t actually enjoy his art.

“I communicate well enough with my writing and with my words, so art really isn’t a form of communication for me.” Daniel Siemens, 20, General Studies, CDA, said. “I don’t do it for the sake of expression, I do it just because. Most people have a reason for doing stuff. I probably have a motive, I just don’t know what it is.”

Living in Germany last year, Siemens developed his technique and style by making pictures in his head.

He describes his art as graffiti-like street art with heavy outlining, hints of minimalism, bold singular colors and an emphasis on graphics.

Siemens displaying a graphic piece of art in his work space. Lily Anderson/Sentinel

When it comes to artistic influences, Siemens said that no one particular thing inspires him. Instead he is inspired by Instagram artists and small pieces of art he sees in his everyday life.

“I was born with a certain ability to move my hand in a way that takes what I see in my head and put it on paper,” Siemens said. “But with what ability I have, I can train it and learn new techniques to hone my trade. And people who don’t even have that ability can take the time to train themselves to become an even better artist than me. Just through time.”

Siemens doesn’t have a creative process. He starts by surfing the Internet, seeing a picture he likes, taking elements of it, sketching it with pencil and then going back over it with ink.

Although Siemens said majoring in art is not an appropriate use of his time and talent, he thinks it is still very important for artists to go to college and learn about art history and technique.

“You’re definitely taking more of a risk going to college for art, than going to college to be a doctor,” Siemens said. “If you graduate college to be a doctor, you’re most likely going to have a job. But with an art degree, you’re going to be paid based on how good your art is and how good you are at socializing and getting your art out there.”

Although he’s sold his art on Etsy before, he shares his art by word of mouth and commissions, specializing in drawing portraits.

“Ultimately how many likes and follows you get on Instagram doesn’t really mean anything unless people actually want your artwork,” Siemens said. “In reality, you’ll rarely ever get people who actually want your artwork – regardless of who you are.”

The best ways to establish yourself is to build a following, he said.

“There’s no point in doing art for money,” Siemens said. “Do it if you love it.”                               Lily Anderson/Sentinel

There are techniques to get more followers, but word of mouth is the best form of spreading information, he said.

“You not only have to get your art seen,” Siemens said. “You have to get it sold.”

For his most recent adventure, Siemens is opening the Back Alley Art Gallery, “the smallest art gallery in town,” on Sept. 25.

“Our mission is to create a space for amateur artists to gather together and show their work,” Siemens said. ”We will show anyone and everyone’s art – with live music, food and drinks included.”

To find out more information about Back Alley Art Gallery find Dan Siemens on Facebook.

To purchase his art or request a commission go to https://www.etsy.com/shop/Agoodwasteoftime.