Life & Work with Danielle Rush

Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Rush.

Hi Danielle, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Over the past two decades, my journey has been an exhilarating blend of creativity, adventure, and personal growth. I embarked on my career as a Local 706 Makeup Artist in Los Angeles, where I had the privilege of contributing my skills to renowned TV shows such as America’s Got Talent, Dancing with the Stars, American Idol, and many others. Amidst the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry, I found more than professional success—I found love.

It was on the set of a TV show where I met my incredible husband, Sterling. As time passed, we welcomed two beautiful daughters into our lives. However, the demanding nature of my work and the desire to be present for my family began to weigh heavily on me. I wanted a lifestyle change that would allow me to savor precious moments with my little ones.

Inspiration struck after a heartfelt conversation with a dear friend about the power of manifesting one’s dreams. Miraculously, just three weeks later, Sterling received an offer to work on a TV show in Hawaii. While his initial response was hesitation, I saw it as the opportunity we needed to transform our lives. In just three weeks, we orchestrated a complete upheaval of our lives, trading the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles for the serene beauty of Hawaii. Embracing the role of a stay-at-home mom in the tropical paradise, I relished the moments spent with my family. However, my creative spirit longed for an outlet.

The motivation behind Illuminated Art happened in a dream. I envisioned the magic of makeup and its ability to make the skin radiate and illuminate. In this dream, I painted with makeup brushes, transforming faces into sunsets and merging my love for photography with my passion for painting. This vivid dream awakened something inside me. The next morning, I began experimenting, blending makeup with my art supplies. The very first stroke of the brush on a canvas brought that same vision to life. Colors danced and shimmered, and I realized I had stumbled upon something extraordinary.

This is the story of “illuminated ART Hawaii.” It’s a blend of my 20-year career in makeup artistry, my connection to photography, and my passion for painting. My journey reached a pivotal moment when I showcased my art at Made in Hawaii in November 2021. Since then, the response has been overwhelming. I now proudly serve as the resident artist at The Twin Fin (formerly Aston Waikiki) and operate my own illuminated ART Hawaii studio, overlooking the breathtaking ocean in the heart of Waikiki. My artwork has graced the walls of hotels in Waikiki as the Artist of the Month, and I’ve had the privilege of exhibiting in multiple galleries and showcases.

I’m deeply grateful for the unwavering support and love I’ve received on this incredible journey. I invite everyone to experience my art in person, as it truly shines in ways that photos and videos can’t capture. I’m committed to sharing the authentic brilliance of “illuminated ART” with the world as it shines unlike anything you can imagine.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting a small business after the challenges brought by Covid-19 has been a transformative journey for me. I decided to embark on this path in a new place, far away from the familiar support network I had back home. It’s been a series of trials, both big and small, as I navigate the uncharted waters of entrepreneurship in a different world altogether.

One of the significant hurdles I’ve faced is the stark contrast between the art and makeup industries. Moving from the makeup world, where I had practiced my skills for years, to the art world was a shift that came with its own set of challenges. It’s been like starting over, especially considering that I ventured into this new career path in my 40s. But I firmly believe that this change is ultimately for the best, and I’m committed to embracing it with open arms.

It’s been a journey filled with the understanding that nothing significant happens overnight. Building a business, especially one that blends art and makeup in the unique way I do, has required immense dedication, countless hours of hard work, and a fair share of tears. The journey of creating ‘illuminated ART’ has been a labor of love.

One of the most profound challenges I’ve encountered is the struggle to capture the true illumination of my artwork in photos. This has made it a bit tricky to establish a strong online presence and promote my work effectively. To do justice to my paintings, I’ve found myself participating in festivals, in-person showings, and various events. While I adore what I do and cherish the opportunity to share my vision and art with the world, it’s sometimes a balancing act between work and family life.

In the pursuit of my passion, I’m continually learning the delicate art of achieving that work-life balance. It’s an ongoing process, but I believe that the dedication and love I pour into my craft will eventually find harmony with the time I want to spend with my family. I’m passionate about my work, and it’s this very passion that drives me to overcome these challenges and create a fulfilling and meaningful business journey.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work revolves around the concept of illumination, and what sets it apart is the profound depth of knowledge and experience I bring to it. With two decades of experience in the makeup industry, I have developed an intimate understanding of makeup products and their capabilities. This knowledge has been pivotal in my journey into the world of art.

While I may not have a traditional fine art background, I have found that my expertise in makeup artistry has proven to be a unique foundation for my current work. I’ve taken the techniques and insights cultivated during my years in the makeup industry and applied them to create illuminating art. Understanding how products interact with different surfaces, blending techniques, and color theory are all pivotal aspects of my creative process.

In essence, makeup served as my art school, offering me the skills and expertise needed to transition into this different world of artistic expression. I’m proud of the way I’ve been able to merge my background with my passion for art, resulting in artwork that is not only visually striking but also deeply rooted in a profound understanding of materials and techniques. This fusion of two seemingly distinct worlds is what truly sets me apart and fuels my sense of pride in the work I do.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
This journey, I believe, represents the final chapter of my career. What sets it apart is the unwavering commitment to doing things on my terms, guided not by monetary gain but by the desire to do things the right way.

A crucial lesson I’ve imbibed is to never compromise on what feels right. This path is deeply personal, driven by intuition and passion. Sometimes, I feel that a piece is destined for a specific recipient, and I trust those instincts, creating a unique connection between art and viewer.

Above all, I’ve come to understand that money should never be the primary driver of my art. True success comes from the passion, love, and time I pour into every piece. Like many artists, I hold the belief that the art I create is genuinely priceless, carrying not just a piece of my heart but also a profound connection to those who experience it. This perspective has guided my approach, reaffirming my dedication to crafting art that is deeply meaningful and authentically my own.

Pricing:

• Small (unframed) – $65
• Large (framed) – $175
• Originals starting at $900 (varies by size)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.illuminatedarthawaii.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/illuminatedarthawaii/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@illuminatedarthawaii