Artist Interview: Meet Denise Weninger
My name is Denise, known as @Deniselicious_ on Instagram. I was an only child so my days could get very lonely but with cartoons and the night sky, I felt safe. I found art as my passion when I was in a very dark place and I want to inspire others because creativity is inside all of us and that life has a plan for everyone.
Where are you from?
Originally, I am from Austria but I live in the Netherlands now.
What is your medium(s) of choice?
I love using all kinds of mediums, colours, especially glow paint :)
How did you get started in your craft?
After a burnout, I had to stay at home and was incredibly sad and bored. So I decided it was time for a hobby to distract myself. I always enjoyed all kinds of art as a kid so I thought it was a good idea to just start painting to express all my emotions.
If you could give one piece of advice to all up-and-coming artists, what would it be?
Don't overthink it. Yes, your art is good enough to be posted on social media and yes you're good enough to open commissions. People love seeing you improve and they love to follow your journey. So why not just do it?
Who are your biggest influences?
My biggest influences are nature and its magic. When I don't know what to paint I simply go outside for a walk.
What’s one thing you absolutely could not live without (in your studio or in general)?
My dogs and my girlfriend.
What jobs have you done other than being an artist?
I worked as a cashier when still going to school and after that, I started working as a Front Office Coordinator for German-speaking regions.
If you could choose one song to be the theme song for your life, what would it be?
There is this heavier song that has been giving me a lot of strength lately: "Rise Above It" by I Prevail.
How has your art changed over time?
My art has been all over the place, I first started out with spray paint, then started using acrylics and then watercolours. I feel like the only thing that changed was that I got more skilled over time.
What do you aim to convey with your artwork?
I want to speak to everyone's inner child. I am to add a little colour to this mostly black and white world. I want my audience to be intrigued by my art, to see the world a little brighter.
If your art was edible, what do you think it would taste like?
When reading this question I actually got a sweet taste in my mouth.
What is your dream project?
I am working on it right now! Stay tuned :)
Are there any hidden messages or meanings within your works?
With most of my work when you turn off the lights you can actually see the hidden message.
If you could choose to live in another era, what era would you choose and why?
I would love to go back to the 90s to watch cartoons and play with old toys.
Do you ever feel discouraged? How do you work through slumps in creativity?
It happens, but in the last year, I learned that staying positive is the best thing I can do. Sometimes it is time to change things up a little bit and to brainstorm with a friend.
What is the most memorable response you’ve received about your work?
Once, when I sent a work in progress picture to a client and she sent a selfie and she looked so amazed and happy. I almost started crying.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I would love to move back to Austria, somewhere close to a forest.
What would you say is the best part about being an artist? What about the most difficult?
The best part is definitely making all the amazing connections I have made with other artists and clients. The most difficult part is having to make your own experiences and basically figure it all out on your own, which is why I want to start uploading videos to help other artists to grow on social media and to start selling their art.
What is the best advice that you’ve ever been given?
To stay positive. Negativity only attracts negativity.
"Life has a plan for you. Keep doing what you love and never give up."
- Denise Weninger
Follow Denise Weninger on Instagram and you can donate to her girlfriend's brain surgery fundraiser here.
