Danika Scott Episode
In the latest episode of the Empowerography Podcast, my guest is Danika Scott. Meet Danika Scott, a young artist whose passion and love for her art is evident through her diverse range of styles and quality of work. In fact, for those of us who are catching on to her work, what is most evident is her attention to detail and her innate sense of colour. This is probably best depicted in her works of realism, be it landscapes, cityscapes, portraits, or even what might be considered abstract images she sees in her mind (one might think contrary to realism), all have a true-to-life quality that reflects something familiar to us. Despite her obvious talent, it is probably this element that sets her apart. In this episode we discuss art, painting, finding your calling, silver linings, struggles, mental health and expression.
Meet Danika Scott, a young artist whose passion and love for her art is evident through her diverse
range of styles and quality of work. In fact, for those of us who are catching on to her work, what is most
evident is her attention to detail and her innate sense of colour. This is probably best depicted in her
works of realism, be it landscapes, cityscapes, portraits, or even what might be considered abstract
images she sees in her mind (one might think contrary to realism), all have a true-to-life quality that
reflects something familiar to us. Despite her obvious talent, it is probably this element that sets her
apart.
“You might say I am trying to capture the feeling, or mood I am in at the time,” says Danika, “I translate
that into something that is recognizably visual and life-like to me. Detail and colour are important, as is
something I can recognize and connect to.”
Growing up on Vancouver Island BC, Danika was encouraged to learn, explore, and play through hands-
on activities, which included drawing, painting, and many outdoor activities. But it was her vivid
imagination where she quickly learned to express her fantasy world through artistic media; particularly
the visual arts, along with testing other forms of art as she grew and developed her talent. This interest
has never waivered.
Nevertheless, and as in many artistic pursuits, one must deal with the “real world” too. To that end,
Danika also excelled. She graduated from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Science and a
combined major of biology and psychology. Upon graduation, she went on to work at BC Children’s
Hospital in Vancouver, BC as a research assistant in their Vaccine Evaluation Center. Although the job
was rewarding, and the work meaningful, she felt in her heart that she was not fulfilling a more
important goal. In fact, it became more obvious how much her heart and soul missed creative
expression.
Some say one has to reach deep in order to connect to themselves, especially in reaching that unique
kind of truth (if you will), that all artists seek in finding their “voice”. You know, what defines them, what
makes their work and style unique. Danika was no exception. However, Danika’s was a much more
difficult path. Danika has endured a longstanding battle with anorexia and bulimia, which intensified
when she had to stop painting and creating in order to meet the demands of adult life, full-time
University, and the working world. During these years she denied herself the time and space to create
artistically, and with this denial she lost touch with an especially important part of herself.
“For a time, all the colours of life seemed to fade away and life itself became meaningless.”
For a while, simply going through the motions of life, but deriving no joy from her daily activities,
became the norm. It was at this point she knew she had to make a complete life change. She sought
treatment for her eating disorder and left her job at BC Children’s hospital. This was a big decision; and
for a while, she felt even more lost, but so began her journey of recovery.
Danika turned to yoga, meditation, and art to help guide her back to an overall sense and being of
health and wellness. Yoga helped her connect to her body, which is always in the present moment, and
to calm her mind; meditation helped her go inside, connect to her true self, and develop a stronger
sense of spirituality; and art helped to piece all of these elements together; and in such a visual way,
that it became a vital expression of her thoughts and feelings. Probably most important, her art once
again brought joy back into her life.
Danika is a certified Kripalu Yoga Teacher (KYT), receiving her instruction from the Kripalu Center for
Yoga and Heath in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. She continues to pursue this passion and plans to
advance her yoga training further. Personally, Danika has a daily yoga and meditation practice that she
finds vital to her recovery. It helps her cope with life on life’s terms and foster a deeper spiritual
connection.
And of course, her art. Danika continues to draw and paint daily, which undeniably helps her discover,
cultivate, and understand that elusive sense of purpose and meaning we all strive for. Because of its
personal benefits and importance to her, Danika is now treating her art as a full-time career. She
currently works as a freelance artist doing commission sketches, drawings, paintings and digital art.
Regardless of where her current path leads, Danika knows that art must remain a part of her life. She
has a burning desire to share with the world, the beauty and love that art has brought to her. Danika is
extremely grateful for her family's constant support and encouragement, let alone her own journey of
personal growth, recovery and the wonders of discovery. Yes. Have a look at her work and see if you too
can identify her own original sense of style, focus, passion and detail in all of her artistic creations.
IG – https://www.instagram.com/artworks.bydanika