artists

Dania Madera-Lerman


 
www.daniaspaintings.com
daniaartworks@gmail.com

Dania Madera-Lerman’s love and passion for art began on the shores of Canada’s Georgian Bay. As a small girl she would use a stick and make drawings in the dark wet sands at Cawaja Beach. She was fascinated how a simple line could evoke so many different images and feelings. This was the spark that ignited a life long dedication to art. Throughout the years, the lines have become more expressive and bold colors now combine to create vibrant paintings, giving her art incredible movement and life.

Born in Toronto, Canada, of Polish/Spanish Heritage, Dania has always had an adventurous spirit. Leaving home and school on her sixteenth birthday, she hitchhiked across Canada by herself with a knapsack on her back loaded with paints and canvas. Spending four years on the west coast, she immersed herself in her art, briefly attending the Vancouver School of Art. Upon her return to Toronto, was accepted at the Ontario College Of Art and was given a grant for her studies. She opted instead to audit the classes while spending the tuition money to buy more art supplies! Never one to be comfortable in institutional settings, Dania went her own way expressing her creativity in her distinct individual manner.

Dania does not conform to one specific style. Of this Madera-Lerman says, “When I am inspired to paint something, I try and capture the true nature, the essence, however that manifests itself creatively. That is my objective. Everything in the world has its own unique spirit and I try to reflect this in my paintings.”

As a result Dania has created an impressive collection of works in various styles and mediums while exploring many themes. The paintings of musicians, the wildly colourful nature paintings, to the portraits of people, Dania’s art is a manifestation of her passion.

Her love of people and nature, coupled with extensive travels throughout Europe, Mexico, Canada and the U.S, have combined to shape Dania with a creative uniqueness that makes her one of the most vibrant artists on the scene today.

Other interests include Yoga and Tai Chi. Dania is also a strong supporter of human, animal and environmental rights, often contributing paintings to charity auctions to further the cause. She has worked as an art co-ordinater for Youth Without Shelter setting up and also leading art workshops for homeless, high-risk youth. Dania continues to teach art programs for children, adults and seniors. Says Madera-Lerman, “I feel incredibly lucky to live this life and for my gift as an artist. My hope is to help make our world a better place by inspiring people through my art to appreciate all that we have.”

Dania has had numerous solo and group showings, and her works are collected internationally by both the public and private sectors. Her art has been featured in films, ads and TV specials. Madera-Lerman was the subject of two televised documentaries; CBC’s Sunday Arts Entertainment, and Bravo’s Talkin’Blues airing in both Canada and the USA. Dania lives with her husband and 3 cats on 45 acres of sprawling, rugged terrain at the base of the Canadian Shield just north of Havelock, Ontario. Their home is a new design in environmentally sustainable living and is situated beside the scenic Crowe River. Says Dania “I am tremendously inspired by all of nature’s beauty and every day I feel deeply grateful to be living here, to be part of this world and to be able to paint that which I truly love.“

So welcome to Dania’s world of paintings.

Enjoy the journey. Peace.