I'm Danielle Folkerts, from central Alberta, and I have been drawing and creating for as long as I can remember! My formal education includes a Visual Arts Diploma from Red Deer College, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts, with Distinction, from the Alberta College of Art + Design, Calgary, majoring in Painting.

I'm a modern painter, textile artist and art instructor currently living in Kingston, Ontario, with my partner. We moved out east for his military career, and we are loving the change. I work hard to carve out time to create with a busy and ever-changing schedule. The military lifestyle keeps us on our toes, but we love the unique opportunities it has presented us, and the wonderful people we've met along the way. We squeeze in as much diving, kayaking and biking as we can, and I can't help but get inspired to create after a good nature fix.

As for working in the studio, my ongoing art practice pulls together contemporary and traditional elements of fine art and craft. It balances between thoughtfully layered mixed media acrylic paintings, designed-based & dreamy minimalist watercolours, and colorfully therapeutic textile wall hangings.

I love choosing and layering unique colours and materials, fashioning wonderful textures and designs as I go. I'm inspired by local landscapes (the Rocky Mountains, The Great Lakes, Vancouver Island), beautiful sights and experiences while travelling, unique patterns and abstractions found in nature, from coral reefs, ancient forests, and sandy beachs. It brings me so much joy to create, and share my passions, and ambitions with others. I hope my art brightens and uplift's each home it enters.

I use an amazing selection of thoughtfully curated indie-dyed yarns, natural wool, soft merino roving, and locally and globally sourced materials. I love combining and contrasting modern colours with natural elements. Each work is bright, cheerful, and completely freeform. I let the process itself inspire each step, with a vague idea in mind, and I'm always pleasantly surprised with each outcome.

When I'm not in the studio working on various painting or textile projects, or scheming about travel, you can find me organizing and instructing creative and unique workshops and events. Plus, I work alongside incredible Canadian makers + creative entrepreneurs at The Kingston Collective. I'm constantly looking for new ways to inspire, educate, encourage and connect makers, handmade enthusiasts, and adventurous souls. Want to work with me? Send me message, I'd love to connect.

The Travelling Artisan / @thetravellingartisan has been featured on Makers Movement, Craftsposure, CYL Collective, Etsy Hunter, WildHumm and HelloImHandmade. CKWS News, Refine Magazine, Visit Kingston, and Snapd Kingston.

You can also view & purchase my artwork locally at:
Timeworn Charm, Lacombe, Alberta
Greater Goods, Calgary, Alberta
The Kingston Collective, Kingston, Onatrio

BLOG + PORTFOLIO | www.daniellefolkerts.com
FACEBOOK | www.facebook.com/thetravellingartisan
INSTAGRAM | @thetravellingartisan
TWITTER | @thetravellingartisan

Upcoming Markets: Cheerfully Made Spring Market, Almonte, ON May 7th, 2017

If you have any questions regarding original artwork, prints, shipping, custom orders, or workshops - please send me a message. Thank you for your interest and support!
-Danielle