Meet Dana Burlingame | Painter and Sculptor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dana Burlingame and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dana, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
That’s a tough question that I think every artist faces it at some point. There is always a spark in my heart, even when it’s buried under frustration, I always get moments of joy or curiosity from creating, and that’s my sign to push through. Looking back at the evolution of my art inspires me to keep going as well, it’s a constant growing and learning process and each piece teaches me something new. I will forever keep learning and growing in creativity. My dad told me as well that “the pain of regret is worse than the fear of failure” and it has always stuck with me. Therefore, I will continue to put my best foot forward in pursuit of my goals and beyond them.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
At the heart of my work is the belief that art should feel alive. It should move people, spark curiosity, and invite them into a world they’ve never seen before. My story is one of intuition, passion, and the freedom to create without limits. I hope people feel the same spark of joy and creativity viewing my work as I get when I am inspired by other artists.

My art style is a fusion of reality and imagination, blending organic life with cyborg elements to explore the connection between nature, technology, and human identity. I don’t create with rigid plans. I often follow my creative flow, letting intuition and emotion guide my work. Every piece is a conversation between my inner world and the ever-evolving world around me. It helps me being able to bounce between sculpture and clay forms to playing with color on canvas. In a way both correlate seamlessly to help me improve and learn new things in both forms.

My journey as an artist hasn’t followed a traditional path. I made the decision not to go to college straight out of high school because I believed the best way for me to grow was through hands-on experience, constant experimentation, and immersing myself in the creative community. It hasn’t been easy and there’s no clear roadmap when you carve your own path. Every challenge has taught me resilience and adaptability. I’ve learned to trust my instincts, embrace uncertainty, and create fearlessly.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that success isn’t just about skill, it’s about persistence, authenticity, and the ability to evolve. Art is a lifelong journey, and I’m excited to keep pushing my boundaries, refining my style, and exploring new ideas.

As far as my “life story” or how I got to where I am today, growing up wasn’t always sunshine and life had its challenges, but art was my constant. No matter what was happening around me, I could always turn to drawing and even music. It was my way of processing the world and creating a space where I had control and freedom. Immersing myself in my art kept me grounded and gave me a sense of purpose, even in uncertain times. Beyond art I love playing my guitar and singing, as well as enjoying nature and the outdoors.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My absolute favorite place when it comes to art and community is “Artist in the Alley” during the Pomona Art Walk. There is nothing like the energy, creativity, and connection that happens there! The Art Walk as a whole is an incredible experience, bringing together so many talented artists and passionate people.

Another gem in Pomona is “V Lounge” located at the Fox Theater, home to an amazing live jazz night every Thursday. I’m excited to share that I recently installed a mural there! A glowing painting featuring a woman with an Afro made of records and a sparkling lavender martini in hand. And the best part? You can actually order the same martini from the menu 🙂
Just down the street, I also have a mural at The Haven, a well loved music venue that highlights incredible local performers into the city.

If you’re ever in Pomona, these spots are definitely worth checking out!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The biggest shoutout to my parents, whose love and support have been the foundation of my journey. They’ve given me more than just encouragement and wisdom, they’ve offered their hands and stood by me every step of the way. Their belief in me has been unwavering, and I wouldn’t be where I am without them.
I’m also incredibly grateful for the amazing network of art friends I’ve built of people who inspire me, challenge me, and remind me why I love creating. Especially the amazing community of people and artists at “Artist in the Alley” in Pomona. Having a community like this makes the journey even more meaningful. The creator of the gallery as well, Nate Mcmullen who is a humble man with many talents. He pours so much love and time into the art community making sure artists feel seen and appreciated. His gallery has grown far beyond just a gallery for artists and has become a home for creatives to thrive and connect.

Instagram: https://Astral.glitch

Image Credits
@jbeehomeloans
@nathan109pics