Dana Killen

Dana Killen

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Dana Killen has been involved with art in one form or another all her life. She attended special Saturday art classes at Carnegie Art Institute while in elementary and junior high school. Since earning her B.F.A. she has worked as a graphic artist, art director and creative director in New York, Pennsylvania and Texas, as well as maintaining her own freelance business, now specializing primarily in illustration and portraiture. She enjoys making and carving pottery as well as painting in oils, acrylics and watercolor.

Her introduction to wood sculpture came through an opportunity to join a carving class taught by well-known artist Charlie Boren. This opportunity has quite literally brought a new dimension to her life as well as her art. She appreciates the “one-of-a-kind” aspect of wood sculpture and is fascinated by the never-ending possibilities offered by the many different kinds of wood. Each has its own individual characteristics and presents its own particular challenges.

Dana enjoys the excitement of uncovering the potential in each new piece of wood, as well as the challenge of remaining flexible in the design to either take advantage of or work around its hidden “surprises.” She hopes to bring this felling of discovery to the viewer by creating pieces that offer ever-changing forms as the work is turned or the lighting altered. It’s part of the fun of working in a three dimensional medium. The natural warmth and beauty of wood breathes life into the work and adds a tactile quality that is irresistible.

   - Dana Killen