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

Hi Deanna, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk taking is important for success in any career but it is an especially important factor when creating art. As an artist, it is important to overcome the fear of failure to keep creating new and innovative work.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I make art that is inspired by adventures exploring near home or when traveling. Painting is my first love but I also studied photojournalism. After a few years practicing photography I knew I wanted to find a way to combine painting and the imagery I created with photos. Initially, my work was very representational then through a lot of experimentaion I began creating abstract work. Now, I focus on abstractions of my images that reveal a hint of the original scene or semi-abstract paintings that are part representational within an abstract background.

The journey to becoming a full-time artist has required hard work, persistence, and vulnerability, but when you are driven to create the struggle is worth it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Since moving to the Palm Springs area, I love showing guests that there is so much more to desert life than they think. So, over a week long visit I would want my guest to experience a mix of nature and city life. Since Palm Springs has so much to offer visually I would start with a self-guided bike tour that weaves through downtown and residential areas. Lunch downtown on a patio like Tommy Bahama’s, where it’s fun to people watch, followed by evening cocktails at the Tonga Hut, for that kitschy retro vibe. Mr. Lyons Steakhouse is great place for the old-school Sinatra era experience. But for a more contemporary POV I would head to a hidden gem of a wine bar in the Parker Hotel called Counter Reformation. Perfectly irreverent environment for good wine, small plates and selfies in the confession booth. If you are in Palm Desert I would head to Le Fe, a laid back bohemian Euro-style wine bar. If the festivities continue I would race over to The Nest in Indian Wells before the velvet ropes go up and the waiting line winds around the building. Put on your best 70s outfit and dance until closing. If you’re lucky Harpo the clown will show up but don’t expect him to hit the dance floor, trust me I’ve tried.

The outdoor highlights would be Joshua Tree National Park. If you happen to be there for a full moon, be sure to visit at night. If your timing is right head to La Copine for amazing food. They have limited hours and it tends to get very busy but if you want feel like you are in Brooklyn in the middle of nowhere—Flamingo Heights—this is the place!

No trip to the hi-desert is complete without a stop at Pioneertown. The old western movie set is fun to walk around then grab a snack and drink Pappy & Harriet’s. If you are there in the spring and summer the outdoor stage for any live performance is amazing.

Closer to Palm Springs I would take hikes in Indian Canyons and Thousand Palm Oasis Preserve. Both offer amazing desert terrain and oases.

For a day off the beaten path I would go less than an hour south to Bombay Beach on the Salton Sea. It’s less apocalyptic now than it has been described in the past, mostly due to the many art installations left behind from the annual Bombay Beach Biennale. Drive around town and the beach to check out the funkiness that makes it so unique. The only restaurant/bar in town is the Ski Inn, which is a great place to meet some locals and have a burger (if the cook showed up that day). Pro tip: the American Legion is located at the opposite end of town. In my experience they welcome guests and you’ll get a real sense of life at the beach.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A special thanks goes to my husband, Andrew, for his patience and support during my long scenic route of a creative journey. I have endless gratitude for all of the artists in my life who have encouraged me, shared their knowledge, and even offered valuable criticism. And, to my high school art teacher, Crosby Brown, a huge thank you for inspiring me to create.

Website: www.deannafainelli.com

Instagram: @dfainelliart

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