Danielle O’Connor Akiyama is a Toronto based Canadian artist who has painted for more than twenty-five years. With her master’s degree in art therapy, she
has worked with emotionally disturbed adolescents and oncology patients for many years. Since leaving her work as a therapist, Danielle has dedicated herself to the life of painting.

Danielle’s style is loose and impressionistic. Firmly rooted in the transition of watercolor, her painting has evolved into a spirit of exploration. Her personal vocabulary which includes acrylics and oils as well, all evoke a sense of excitement of the journey.

In order to understand the strength and simplicity of a single brush stroke, Danielle studied sumi-e, Japanese brush painting. Upon receiving her master’s seal, the head sensei named her “Chi-Sho”, which means “a source of joy” and embodies both the artistic process and the observers viewpoint. Each work bears her chop as well as her signature “Danielle”.