Meet Dana Anbar | Artist & Holistic Nutritionist

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

Hi Dana, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The idea of kickstarting my own art business really came from just wanting to live life on my terms. I’m an artist, and creating is what makes me feel alive. Painting and drawing aren’t just hobbies; they’re my soul food.

When it comes to this whole ‘business’ thing, it’s not about slapping a label on what I love—it’s about the nitty-gritty behind the scenes. I’m all about soaking up knowledge every day because growth is key. You can call it a business, but it’s the grind and the passion that really matter.

Thinking ahead, I picture my life 5 or 10 years down the road, and a 9-5 gig just doesn’t fit the vibe I’m after. I want my days to revolve around the joy of putting brush to canvas. This isn’t a short-term gig; it’s a lifelong commitment. I’m building something I plan to do forever.

This journey isn’t just a business move; it’s a way to shape a life that syncs up with what I love. So, yeah, ‘business’ might be the term, but at the heart of it, it’s all about living a life filled with the thrill of creating art

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art revolves around portraits with a distinct influence from the fantasy realm and the classic old masters masterpieces. I’ve carved out my niche by embracing a predominantly monotone palette, almost resembling black and white with subtle hints of color. What sets my art apart is its appeal to those who appreciate traditional art, portrait work, and fantasy.

Each piece is a meticulous process, with attention to every detail. I find it hard to put my tools down because I constantly feel like there’s more to explore and refine. A key lesson I’ve learned is about decision-making in art. Knowing when to call a piece finished is crucial; otherwise, you risk endlessly perfecting details and getting lost in overthinking.

My art is a deeply personal expression. When I’m immersed in my work, time seems to stand still, and nothing else matters. It’s not just about selling a painting; it’s an invitation for people to experience a visual story. I want viewers to get lost in the narrative my art weaves, to feel the emotion and explore the illusion I’ve crafted. In essence, my art isn’t just a product; it’s an immersive experience, an emotional journey waiting to be discovered.

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.
In Kelowna, we’d have a blast! We’d kick off the adventure with a laid-back brunch at a cool local spot, discovering some breakfast gems. Gotta hit up the wineries, not just for the wine (even if you’re not into it, the views are insane), but for those epic charcuterie boards. Beach day is a must—swimming, sunbathing, and just soaking in the lakeside vibes. And oh, let’s not forget my coffee obsession; we’d tour the cutest, most aesthetic coffee shops for that perfect brew. Evenings are all about chill dinners at local joints, and fun breweries! My personal peace spot, the beach, and those top-notch coffee spots would be the highlights, making Kelowna an unforgettable week-long adventure!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I spent a lot of time trying to understand who Dana’s Dana is. What does that mean? The Dana that is uninfluenced by anyone else. But it is true that everyone and everything around you can influence you without even knowing. I think so many people have their ins in my life and that’s what makes life beautiful. I have a little bit of my dad, my mom, my sister, my partner, my friends, my environment, my teachers, strangers, authors, podcast hosts, in myself. I think it’s important to self-reflect and realize what we’ve adopted from others, what is true to our own self and what we want to adopt from others. I’m glad to say though that I’ve adopted creativity & self reflection from my father, a carefree nature from my sister & mother, hard working habits from my partner, kindness from my grade 4 teacher, and art… well that’s all me. That would be Dana’s Dana.

Website: www.danaanbar.ca

Instagram: @danaanbarart