ABOUT | arting it up across platforms
DMo is the signature seal of independent artist and writer Danielle Oke, creating commissioned and original creative content and experiences across film, visual+live art, music, and other creative streams... She is an award-winning scriptwriter and produced writer/director, an internationally exhibited artist of painting and video art, and a published songwriter and poet. Her work is both universal and intimate, playful and deep, and has been presented in a wide range of contexts including gallery, theatre, urban screens and film festival. In addition to her main expressions, she has undertaken roles as producer, development writer, researcher, consultant and editor, and has lent her creative skills to non-profit organizations around the world. She also writes and records as part of the music experiment project Cityless with Swedish sound designer/composer Nicolas Lewentorp.
"The Art Playground represents possibility and transformation, responsibility and risk, the hidden spark inside everyone and its revealing to create a better day for all." DMo
Style...
The space and way in which she creatively interacts with life is what she experiences as The Art Playground (TAP), and this both ensures and influences her work's diversity and curiosity. She is drawn to the below-the-surface stuff that often guides and determines our surface level realities, and meshes this subrealism with other styles and genres in accordance with what each work calls for. Her work also (r)evolves around the importance of our inner technologies i.e. our capacity to think, feel and connect. She particularly loves to share content and experiences that highlight, explore, engage and celebrate the creative influence we all have on life.
Ethos, living and creating according to life's paradoxical nature...
Herstorical...
DMo was born in Cairns, a tropical town in North East Queensland, known for its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef. After childhood in Cairns, she spent her high school years on the Sunshine Coast, followed by a brief stint at college in Melbourne studying music business management, before moving to London. Since then she has moved around a lot!
"I spent a lot of time in the water as a kid. I loved the full immersion feeling. This full immersion feeling moved into everyday life when I connected with creative inspiration. It was like living in a giant art playground, bringing diverse encounters and expressions. I allowed the energies to morph into what they wanted to be, and that's how I started creating in a variety of platforms. This way to live and create has also influenced the themes of what I create as universal connection, ever-present subrealities, and the creative process itself are constantly featured in my work." DMo
Others’ comments on her work...
“I am impressed by the range and scope and her visual eye. Danni is a true original and innovator. Her work is intelligent and forward-thinking.”
Elliot Grove, Founder of Raindance Film Festival and British Independent Film Awards, London
“…your works have the simplicity of the real life, they are beautiful, and the message you can read in your mind…Excellent drawing and paintings.”
Camilo Villanueva, Argentinian Abstract Artist
“I like your stories, they have scope and adventure and a sense of not knowing what is around the next sand dune.”
Robert Chandler, Space Age Films, London
“…we enjoyed Transitions and your talent as a writer is obvious…we wish you much success.” Kristen Lee Kelly, Tiny Linus Productions, Los Angeles
“I really enjoy Type’s viewpoint and the journey of color he brings the audience through. I think you’ve captured the essence of his character not only in your described visuals but also in his rhyming and hypothesizing.” Susan Jacob, Cinematographer and Producer, New York
“The structure of the piece was enjoyable in its desire to tell the story by merging past and present action through monologues and short scenes…There is a good sense of visual and theatrical imagination to the piece in its use of monologue, narration and live action, particularly when these elements are blended together.” Reader report, Soho Theatre, London
“…imaginatively conceived with some strong characterisation.” Graham Whybrow, Literary Manager, Royal Court Theatre, London
“We like your artworks because: 1. the materials are simple, they are adaptable for any environment; 2. the colours are bright and stimulating; 3. the shapes are always open and inclusive, even when the subject can be problematic....the pieces are like ‘spirit friends’ which accompany us in the journey of life. They teach us to look at our situation within the ‘whole’ and to see everything in this global perspective.” Mario & Maria De Marchi, Italian Art Collectors
Elliot Grove, Founder of Raindance Film Festival and British Independent Film Awards, London
“…your works have the simplicity of the real life, they are beautiful, and the message you can read in your mind…Excellent drawing and paintings.”
Camilo Villanueva, Argentinian Abstract Artist
“I like your stories, they have scope and adventure and a sense of not knowing what is around the next sand dune.”
Robert Chandler, Space Age Films, London
“…we enjoyed Transitions and your talent as a writer is obvious…we wish you much success.” Kristen Lee Kelly, Tiny Linus Productions, Los Angeles
“I really enjoy Type’s viewpoint and the journey of color he brings the audience through. I think you’ve captured the essence of his character not only in your described visuals but also in his rhyming and hypothesizing.” Susan Jacob, Cinematographer and Producer, New York
“The structure of the piece was enjoyable in its desire to tell the story by merging past and present action through monologues and short scenes…There is a good sense of visual and theatrical imagination to the piece in its use of monologue, narration and live action, particularly when these elements are blended together.” Reader report, Soho Theatre, London
“…imaginatively conceived with some strong characterisation.” Graham Whybrow, Literary Manager, Royal Court Theatre, London
“We like your artworks because: 1. the materials are simple, they are adaptable for any environment; 2. the colours are bright and stimulating; 3. the shapes are always open and inclusive, even when the subject can be problematic....the pieces are like ‘spirit friends’ which accompany us in the journey of life. They teach us to look at our situation within the ‘whole’ and to see everything in this global perspective.” Mario & Maria De Marchi, Italian Art Collectors
