Artist of the Issue: Danny Engle
Written by: Kharis Ott
Have you ever wished you could imagine something in your mind–a painting, or maybe an outfit–and create it in real life? This quarter’s artist of the issue, Danny Engle has the talent needed to bring his visions to life. Danny is currently taking fashion design, one of the school’s two new elective courses. When he saw it was offered, he jumped at the opportunity. “I’ve always enjoyed making garments and accessories out of nothing but fabric scraps and my imagination,” he says. “It makes me feel accomplished when I have a finished piece to hold and wear.” From fashion history to sketching, Ms. Duthu’s class covers an array of topics within the fashion universe, allowing the class to bring their visions to life. Currently, they’re helping make costumes for SCDS' winter musical: Mean Girls.
Danny himself loves focusing on highly detailed clothes and accessories. When I first saw his sketches, I couldn’t help but say “that kind of looks like Effie Trinket!” Though the maximalist Hunger Games character is not one of his inspirations, Danny is influenced by the world around him. He says, “I’ll get inspiration from media, inanimate objects, or personal events in my life… I’m always trying to incorporate my favorite details into my designs like ruffles or extravagant lacing… For a few of my sketches I’ve taken inspo from the renaissance and the Carnival of Venice.” His love of articulate designs is evident in his sketches, which are, frankly, breathtaking.
Looking to the future, Danny hopes to study fashion design at SCAD! He cares deeply about what he creates, not only as an art form, but also the process behind his work. “I would love to be an artist for the rest of my life, I don’t think I could be anything else, it’d be too boring for me,” says Danny. Through his art, Danny is able to unapologetically express his creativity, something he hopes other artists and designers are able to achieve. “Create as much as you can,” he advises. “Spill your ideas out onto paper or canvas, whether they’re good ideas or not.”
If you’re looking for a different elective to take next year, consider trying fashion design! Danny himself agrees that clothing production is an invaluable skill. He says, “Sewing can be an incredibly useful skill for anyone, not just designers, and I think a lot of people would benefit from learning something so helpful.” Not only would you learn a new skill, but you’d also get the chance to create, which, in my opinion, is the most important form of human expression.
