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

Hi Danner, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
There’s lot out there that inspires me. As of late, the muse has found me during intentional walks around my neighborhood, reading a completely disparate assortment of books, and consciously observing my domestic space.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is about survival, but I leave that quite open-ended. I’m really fascinated by time and what it does to people, objects, and environments. If I had to say what sets me apart from others, it’s that I create work from my life — there’s no other Danner Washburn. I’m really proud of that, but more so that I’m still making and exhibiting work this far out of school. This path is full of so many challenges, but it’s also full of incredibly genuine support if you’re discerning. It’s a tough gig because there are a lot of temptations to sell out. But I don’t serve the art market because, if I did, there would be nothing left of me in the work. So to continue making work that is not reliant on that economy, I do whatever I have to in order to support myself and my art-making, which has included a lot of shit — literally! Some people make art because it’s trendy or they can make a quick buck, but I make art because my life depends on it. If there’s one thing people should know, it’s that I’ll be doing the work until I’m dirt.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
That’s an interesting question, and one which could get about a billion different answers. If I had someone in town, I would load up the truck and drive them down to Eddie Owens Martin’s (St. EOM) Pasaquan art site in Buena Vista, Georgia. This place is a cultural treasure and you’ll never experience anything else quite like it. After that, I would probably take them by the East Palisades Trail area for a beer on the banks. It’s a great spot to get close to nature while enjoying the lovely Chattahoochee River. Finally, I would probably take my guest to The Local for some of their amazing wings. Being on Ponce, you can really get an idea for the amazing variety of people that inhabit Atlanta. If you’re lucky, you might even see some cowboys going down Ponce on horseback.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to champion my family and friends. They support me wholeheartedly, and never ask me to be anything other than myself. I realize what a privilege it is to have that as a part of my life, and I could not be more thankful for them.

Instagram: @danner.washburn
Other: Please consider donating your time or money to the Atlanta Community Food Bank Their website is www.acfb.org

Image Credits
Danner Washburn

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