Our Autumn Open Call Memento Vivere runs October 10th to 18th, featuring twenty-three artists showcasing a range of styles and mediums.

Dani Kerr is a multi disciplinary artist based in Glasgow. Dani’s work features themes of the macabre contrasted with modern aesthetics, inspired by everything from pop culture to mythology. Currently, they manage DemonicEros on Etsy, selling their art and other handmade products. Dani also run’s online body doubling sessions for neurodivergent artist via the Neuk collective! 

Hi Dani! What emotions or reactions do you hope viewers experience when they see your artwork?
I have always struggled with how others view my artwork. I want people to enjoy my art, however everyone’s different. Even if everyone were to like a work the chances of them having the same interpretation is low. In the past I’ve tried to control this factor as I wish people to feel a certain way. I still have my own clear idea of what my work means to me but I am challenging the idea that other people having different perspectives makes my work worse. Letting go of that aspect of control is made a lot easier by the fact that my artwork is capable of causing emotions within people. I try to be grateful for that fact when I can, and use it to motivate me to share.

How do you know when a piece is complete?
A lot of the time I know when a piece is done before I notice it might be finished. It’s something I have improved on a lot as an artist, however it is an active effort. I think it comes from wanting to prove myself as an artist; to show the skill as an artist, and sometimes that leads to over working a piece. I find myself starting to ask myself if a piece is done when I notice I’m sitting looking to add something.

How do you typically approach your creative process from initial inspiration to the completion of your artwork?
The creative process for me has always involved a constant stream of ideas. I find my biggest limitations to be skill and time. I love to create as much as possible in order to build my skill, this a race against time to get to the point where I can make my inspiration reality.Though it may sound negative, typically the main hurdle after inspiration is simply ability. The good news it though is that each project shows me what I can to do to improve. It is through that process that I feel I grow most at an artist.

Can you elaborate on the significance or symbolism of the chosen title of your work?
Growing Pains is a homage to the common phenomenon of feeling pain as you grow during your childhood. The idea of growth and pain can evoke feelings of positive change but it can also bring discomfort. I feel this illustration represents my own personal experience of growing from childhood to adolescence and now adulthood.

Can you share a glimpse of your next project?
I have been lucky to be apart of a collaborative project for the last few months, recently finishing my part which involved a lot of care. I have found a great sense of satisfaction in knowing I’m part of a community and it makes my work better. It has been an interesting experience as someone who usually has a very solo creative process.

Are there any upcoming events or additional information you would like the audience to know?
I would like to promote my online body doubling group. Body doubling is a way of promoting productivity, the idea being that casual company can help one focus on task better. The group is run through the ‘Neuk collective’, a group focused on supporting neurodivergent artists. I would encourage anyone interested to check it out!

See more of Dani’s work on their Instagram. Memento Vivere runs at Six Foot Gallery until Friday 18th October.