We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Danielle Ellis a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Danielle, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
Overcoming imposter syndrome is a daily practice. One of the ways that I combat imposter syndrome is to document everything that I do-every art piece, every event, everything. So when I’m feeling down or question my ability, I look at my file to remind myself what I have accomplished, and that I do have a seat at the table.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a multimedia artist. My focus is weaving connection. How does history affect us now? Our living history, our daily lives… where did our habits come from? Our traditions? Currently, I’d like to bring people into the community where they feel left out. I especially want more people to express themselves through art. I also want to include my spiritual beliefs in my art, which at times roll into a new mythology of my imagination. I’ve opened an Etsy store to sell my jewelry and art you can find that under Brassfly Studio. I currently have art hanging in the Texas State Fair. I’m teaching crafts at the family event for Dia De los Muertos at the Latino Cultural Center. I will be doing more community creative programs and that’s to be announced on confirmation. I am also sewing and you’ll be seeing the results of that in 2024.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The most impactful in my journey is poverty. I constantly have to make something out of what seems to be nothing. I must bring food to the table. I must pay utilities I must make sure my daughter is in the best care. Having that openness to learn new skills benefited me so much. Having a limited budget helps me problem solve and actually come up with new things. I start what would I have a build I start what would I have and build from there from there. I also check for what is dumped on curbs. My suggestion to people is to always learn new things, always be curious, and read a lot. Travel to different galleries and museums to be inspired and meet others in the community. Always be willing to try no matter what the circumstances look like.
If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?
My current challenge is what a lot of people are dealing with. Finances, time and health. These are challenging times. Again I research and push forward. Life is ebb and flow. Everything is done in due season. If you’re constantly pushing forward in joy, seeing all perceived setbacks as opportunities, taking chances, having the bravery to be curious, and willing to face the nos, you are not too late. I believe all things will come into balance in due time. My ‘not now’ today can be ‘all yes’ tomorrow. I just have to keep creating because it’s the life in my veins.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brassfly_studio/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/BrassflyStudio
Image Credits
Danielle Ellis Brassfly Studio
