Flowering a Voice Through Art with Danica Factor

Art didn’t start as a career for Danica Factor, it began as survival. “I started having really bad panic attacks... couldn’t sleep... constant migraines,” Danica recalls. At her therapist’s suggestion, she began doodling for ten minutes a day. “Next thing you know, all the things I couldn’t say were coming out.”

As she painted, Danica realized her childhood home, and the unresolved trauma within it was fueling the images. “The art went from 10 minutes a day to 30... and it became my daily routine to process what happened that day or in the past.”

Six years later, Danica’s work transformed. Collectors took notice, but more importantly, so did she. “I realized a lot of women in society are the afterthought to everything. My art turned into a celebration of empowering women.”

At first glance, Danica’s pieces appear floral. Step closer, and hidden figures and telegram-like words emerge, echoes of women throughout history. “All my pieces have words tucked into the flowers... like someone from the past is speaking to the viewer now.”

Danica finds inspiration hiking by the river, or through her daughter, a fearless spirit who builds towns from saved art boxes. “She doesn’t have that fear or shame. It’s incredible.”

Now based in Boise, Danica is a regular attendee of Catalyst’s free, monthly "Spark!" Artist Circle meetings, and she’s embracing the discomfort and joy of artistic life. “Art has healed me. In the studio, there’s no one telling me what I can or can’t create. It’s just me, and the story that needs to be told.”

To experience Danica Factor’s art in person, head down to the Catalyst Arts Collaborative in Boise during the month of June and see her fascinating works. Plus, join us for June's First Thursday event (6/5, 5-7pm) to meet Danica in person!