About Me
Artist Statement
Much of my work is inspired and learned from the artists and poets of the New York School. The impetus and courage of abstract expressionist painters of the post war era changed the art world and its definition of art. As I paint, and what I paint, is a record of personal transitions through my life and the influence these artists have had on my work. I approach each new piece of work without restriction and an energy of discovery which often results in a varied style and feel in the collection of my work.
I prefer to present multimedia abstract versions of real sightings, writings, images, and experiences. You will often find words, drawings, or markings embedded in my work, hinting at the initial inspiration for that piece. I paint in both oils and acrylic paints using multimedia charcoal, graphite or pastels for mark making, layering and added depth to my work.
I am reluctant to describe my work in length as I feel each piece of art should stand on its own and immediately compel the viewer. I believe the words of Josef Albers that “Art is concerned with something that cannot be explained by words or literal description. Art is revelation instead of information, expression instead of description.”
​
Artist Bio
Dara was born and raised in the Boston area and introduced to the art world through her undergraduate (BA) studies in art history, studio and visual arts. She began painting in college and exhibited her works in local and community-based shows. Jointly, Dara began a career in science and technology roles working at several Boston area medical and research facilities.
​
In 1990, Dara moved west to California accepting a job in the growing excitement of Silicon Valley opportunity. She settled in the San Francisco Bay Area, establishing a career in high tech electronics and her studies during this time included a completed MBA degree. There was never a fair balance between her art and meeting the requirements of a corporate world career but over the next 25 years she made time for her creative work and studies.
​
Dara moved to an artist’s district in the late 1990’s and began to paint again. She completed studio work and studies at San Francisco Art Institute, California College of the Arts and UC Berkeley. She studied and read her favorite painters and poets – Frankenthaler, O’Hara, Richter, Mitchell and Emerson. She continued to paint on a part time basis while working and began to exhibit her work locally, participating in multiple group shows and annual open studio events in the Bay Area.
​
In 2020, Dara left the Bay Area for Palm Springs, California. She retired from the corporate world in 2022 and found a new studio to rededicate herself to her art. She is finally calling herself a full-time artist and has established her own business (Studio 9) exhibiting and selling her work. She has participated in multiple gallery exhibitions in Coachella Valley including the Create Center for the Arts, Artists Council at the Galen, and the Desert Art Center. Dara continues to participate in group show exhibitions and open studios events while continuing to sell her work directly from her own Palm Springs studio/gallery or through other gallery representation .
Dara’s work has been featured in exhibitions over many years and is now included in both private and commercial collections on both the East and West coasts. The core of her work continues to be abstract expressionism and contemporary paintings influenced by artists of the New York School.