Meet Daniel McClendon: Visual Artist

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

Hi Daniel, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I think about risk all the time. Embracing risk is a terrifying and exciting concept all at once. I think anyone who’s ever grown in any way, has realized that. It’s sounds a little cliche to say that we all probably need to challenge our risk/reward thresholds. But it’s also probably true. I tend to default to trusting my instincts when I’m not sure if I want to pursue something risky. Most things I want to challenge in my art or life require risking stability–at least perceived stability. And the fear of upsetting some type of order still terrifies me. But when I look back and assess the consequences, my failures have been minor and my growths have typically been huge. I don’t think my instincts would allow me to walk over a cliff. My current body of work is a direct result of taking taking risk head on. And my only regret is that it took me so long to take the plunge. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m largely an expressionist painter (all your Art historians can feel free to correct me). And with that, there seems to be an added bit of vulnerability in the already vulnerable practice of making art. I’m not great at expressing myself in most ways. So to have (mostly) overcome the fear of judgement and pursue my work in an emotional, impulsive and sometimes reckless way is actually a major success for me. I’m proud that I was able to block out the noise enough to do what my gut tells me. And on the other side, I’m also proud that I’ve put in the time and energy to develop skills to help me articulate myself. Discipline is not my forte so it’s taken- and continues to take- work. Getting to this point in my career hasn’t felt easy by any stretch but I’m hyper aware that I’ve had a ton of opportunity for success. I’m just glad I didn’t piss it away. It’s easier to sink that swim, even if you have a life jacket. I’ve learned to take advice and also ignore it. I think we each know our best path best so learning to decipher your own code is critical. I’ve almost always known when I was making a mistake before I made it… so I feel like a lot of wasted energy can be avoided by simply taking the time to be introspective. If my creative life’s work were to leave any trail of legacy, I’d want it to inspire people to reflect more. A lot of harm can be undone and outright avoided by simply understanding who you are better.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m in Asheville, NC. where there’s so much concentrated goodness it’s kind of overwhelming. So, I’d probably cycle between unplugging–hiking along any number of mountain rivers (ie. Linville Gorge) or floating the French Broad with enough beer to kill the bacteria. And experiencing the local flavor– like visiting my “art neighborhood” with 200+ artists, the River Arts District. Then eat and drink, everywhere. Burial Brewery, Wedge Brewery, Zillicoah Brewery, Smokey Park Supper Club, 12 Bones, Buxton Hall BBQ, Cucina 24, Sunny Pointe, Biscuit Head, Vortex donuts (I obviously like food/drink…) and then hit up the Grey Eagle for a show when live music comes back. And at any one of theses spots, try and talk to a stranger to see what they’re all about… Asheville is full of unique characters.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wish I knew where all the inspiration came from directly. But, as life tends to show us, it comes in big and small packages. That said, my family deserves a ton of credit. From the unconditional love from grandparents, parents, wife and kids. It’s all helped fuel my will to explore.

Website: www.danielmcclendon.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniel_mcclendon/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danielmcclendon.art/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rj7F7oe1N5w&t=47s
Other: The LIFT studios 349 Depot St. Asheville, NC 28801