There’s a Canadian artist on the scene these days who is being called the ‘Next Andy Warhol’ because his art & life story is inspiring a whole new generation and has no limits!
Daniel Mazzone (http://www.danielmazzoneart.com) used to be homeless. He also used to be a mortgage broker. But his passion for art took-over and has now turned him into one of the most in-demands artists today with countless celebrities, athletes and notable professionals all seeking his artwork out, and his art showcases around the world being lined up around street blocks with people hoping to catch a glimpse of his latest creations.
So how does he feel about being compared to Warhol and all this new-found success? The Levity Ball sat down with Daniel in his Toronto home to find out more…
When did you first recognize your talent and know you wanted to be an artist?
I started doing art at a very young age with my mother whom was an art teacher. It was always a dream to be a great artist. There was a point in my life where I had given up on the dream because people made me think it wasn’t a realistic dream or job. But after some time I picked it up again and never looked back!
What was the first piece of artwork you ever created?
I can’t remember the first piece I made because I was so young, but in the style that I have created to be my own, it was a picture of Marilyn Monroe. I’m a huge fan.
At the age of 15 you became homeless… how did that life changing experience help you be the person you are today?
Being homeless teaches you many things. How to be smart on your feet. How to see things for what they are. But most of all the fact that I got off the street and changed my life. The greatest thing to take with me would be that dedication and passion will get you anything you dream of. It also made me work harder and harder. You remember where you came from and cherish what you have making you work harder for what you love.
What is the best advice you have ever gotten?
The best advice?? Not to be afraid and to surround yourself with people who are smarter then you. There’s always something to learn. And knowledge doesn’t occupy space.
What do you feel separates your art/style from others?
The look and feel of my art work is not like anyone’s I’ve seen. It is a mix of stainless, collage and mosaic style.
You support a lot of children’s charities such as the Children’s Aid Foundation and Bautista Family Education Fund… why are children charities so close to your heart?
Children are the way of the future. and it’s important to take good care of what’s to come. They are innocent. It’s always good to help them become great humans.
Besides creating art, what are some of your other hobbies?
I love to cook!!! Nothing makes me happier then cooking and eating!
What are your feelings towards your art finally now becoming popular across North America and the rest of the world?
I love doing my art. Now that it’s become popular I’m very grateful. The feeling is amazing. I just feel blessed to have the opportunity to be able to make people feel happy and to be happy myself doing something I love so dearly.
What other artists help influence your style?
As far as artists that have influenced me I would say there’s always a mix of a few of the greats. No one person as far as style. But as far as an artist I look up to I would say Domingo Zapata; He’s become a good friend and he gives me inspiration and good advice. He’s really a great artist and role model.
Where do you see your career heading in five years from now?
I love to see more of my art end up in museums around the world.
And final question: What do you want to be remembered for?
I’d love to remember for making art that told a story and also for making a change in the way we look at the world.
