Stanislaus State muralist says art runs in the family, makes him feel alive

By MICHELLE HATFIELD
mhatfield@modbee.com

last updated: November 28, 2007 07:46:00 AM

TURLOCK -- When sketching for a mural inside the county's agricultural center, Joshua Danner wanted something that would overwhelm passers-by.

The California State University, Stanislaus, senior was chosen from local art students to paint an 8-by-16-foot mural on an interior wall in the ag commissioner's office.

It took the Valley Springs resident nearly two months of weekends to paint the work. It was Danner's first time using acrylic paint. He used a deep blue as background to contrast with the pale beige of the hands -- they almost come out of the wall. It's the farmers' food that allows the population to survive -- a fitting theme for the ag center.

Danner, 24, said he hopes to finish his bachelor of fine arts degree at Stanislaus State, then apply elsewhere for a master's degree. Danner, a computer lab technician at Kennedy Elementary School in Stockton, wants to teach college-level art someday.

Q: Where did you get the concept for the mural?

A: "I wanted to do something fairly simple and something to scale with the hands of a farmer supporting the land. ... I'm inspired by artists like Diego Rivera and surrealism. ... I like the emotion that is expressed through surrealism -- the absurdity, just the craziness. Diego Rivera -- his art was meant for the average person, not the elites. It was meant to be viewed by everyone. It was meant to be enjoyed by everyone."

Q: How did you get interested in art?

A: "My family -- there was always a very large emphasis on art, especially through my mother. We had a lot of her paintings around the house. It's a hobby (for her). She teaches first grade."

Q: What do you like about art?

A: "Everything. I just zone out when I start painting. It just makes me feel alive, I guess. I do a lot of sculptures, painting, video, photography, drawing -- I like all mediums."

Q: Why did you choose Stanislaus State?

A: "The location; it was close to home. I liked the idea of coming to a small school, the close interaction I'd get with professors."

Q: What's your favorite creation to date?

A: "A series of small assemblages. It included fur, barbed wire, lots of crazy things."

Q: What do you want to do after college?

A: "I'm undecided. I'm interested in teaching at the college level, but I'm also considering something architectural, like sculpture."

Bee staff writer Michelle Hatfield can be reached at mhatfield@modbee.com or 578-2339.

• Comments
• Add Comment
• Disclaimer