Conversations with D M Bass

Today we’d like to introduce you to D M Bass.

Hi D M, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started drawing what I loved when I could hold a pencil. When I could stand, my grandmother put a length of butcher paper on the wall and I drew a horse across her living room. It had such a long nose it looked like an ant eater. It was surrounded by the lines and squares I used to write its story. Afterwards I drew that horse again and again. I built it out of clay and pipe cleaners. I gave it parts in the play stories my sister and I made up. Along the way, I discovered an art book that taught how horses were anatomically designed. My horse got better. It began looking real. I expanded my drawing, writing, and building to give it friends. My creative work was so engaging, most everything else I had to do, particularly eating, seemed a purgatory.

This led me to being a licensed architect by day and a fine artist – drawing and painting – by night. During this chapter in my life, I illustrated food for restaurants, designed and built stained glass windows, and did architectural renderings. I dabbled in ink, acrylic, gauche, and water-color paints. I drew streetscapes and botanicals; designed cabinets and furniture. And I wrote about them all. Sometimes their stories appeared in marketing materials. At others, in my letters and journals.

And then I discovered oil painting. It was love at first sight. I can’t tell you why, the paint felt all wrong on my brush. And it wouldn’t go anywhere I wanted either. But I knew I was hooked. One hundred percent “in”. And I also knew, that no matter what, it wasn’t going to be an easy relationship. I already had a husband and small children wanting my attention. Plus, there was no time or place for me to paint outside a weekly night class. Still, I donated all my other art supplies to make room. I stayed up late to make time. I kept writing. The space I had for both got bigger.

I keep a card on the bulletin board over my writing desk. It says, “It is important to remember that the beginning can be anywhere along the way” -Leigh Standley.

My beginning is happening now. I’m doing what most inspires me: story-telling writing and fine art. As of today, I’ve completed several artful middle grade books, multiple short stories, and a number of oil paintings. My written stories explore many themes. Realistic magic, the plants and houses shaping worlds, and the stuff of intuition are favorites. My fine art comes from what I see and touch directly; beautiful interplays of color and form that describe a meaningful moment. I like my subjects to appear as if unaware of being observed. I have a fondness for painting expressive people, houses and plants rooted in style and season, and collections of household items that speak of different histories. Current themes are the use of plastics and embroidery-like embellishment in still life to represent aspects of globalism. My first group exhibit will begin in August 2025 at the Denver Symphony’s gift shop.
I hope you find inspiration in my story.
D M Bass

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it has not been a smooth road. Few have been supportive of me being an artist. Making a living and other needs have often gotten in the way. Success in one area means sacrificing another, and usually my art.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m known for being loyal, innovative, and artistic. I have an aptitude for problem solving with a “begin with the end in mind” (-Steven Covey) approach. I’m most proud of my capacity for love. I think my willingness to keep learning about and revising something until I get it “right” (for its use or audience) sets me apart from others.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Yes, I think the best writing and art meets the needs its target audience while giving a little something to others.

Contact Info:

• Website: Dm-bass.com
• Other: artfulspaces.biz