Dania Madera-Lerman's love and passion for art began on the shores of Canada’s Georgian Bay. As a small girl she would use a stick and make drawings in the dark wet sands at Cawaja Beach. She was fascinated how a simple line could evoke so many different images and feelings. This was the spark that ignited a life long dedication to art. Throughout the years, the lines have become more expressive and bold colors now combine to create vibrant paintings, giving her art incredible movement and life.

Born in Toronto, Canada, of Polish/Spanish Heritage, Dania has always had an adventurous spirit. Leaving home and school on her sixteenth birthday, she hitchhiked across Canada by herself with a knapsack on her back loaded with paints and canvas. Spending four years on the west coast, she immersed herself in her art, briefly attending the Vancouver School of Art. Upon her return to Toronto, was accepted at the Ontario College Of Art and was given a grant for her studies. She opted instead to audit the classes while spending the tuition money to buy more art supplies! Never one to be comfortable in institutional settings, Dania went her own way expressing her creativity in her distinct individual manner.

There are some who have criticized Dania for not conforming to one specific style. They say she is tough to pigeonhole. Of this Madera-Lerman says, “When I am inspired to paint something, I try and capture the true nature, the feeling of what it is that instilled the initial inspiration. I am not interested in endlessly repeating one certain style, but in capturing the essence, however that manifests itself. My objective has always been to paint the soul of things, rather than the outward form. The world is full of variety and I try to reflect this in my paintings.”

As a result Dania has created an impressive collection of works in various styles exploring many themes. From paintings of the great blues musicians- Muddy Waters, Big Bill Broonzy, Lightnin' Hopkins - to the wildly colourful florals, - and bold visionary works, Dania's art is a manifestation of her passion.

Her influences stem from the Impressionists, the Group of Seven, primitive art, aboriginal art, the Renaissance era paintings, as well as many contemporary artists. Her love of people and nature, coupled with extensive travels throughout Europe, Mexico, Canada and the U.S, have combined to shape Dania with a creative uniqueness that makes her one of the most vibrant artists on the scene today.

Other interests include Yoga and Tai Chi. Dania is also a strong supporter of human, animal and environmental rights, often contributing paintings to charity auctions to further the cause. In Toronto, she worked as an art co-ordinater for Youth Without Shelter setting up and also leading art workshops for homeless, high-risk youth. She has also set up and taught art programs for children, adults and seniors. Says Madera-Lerman, "I feel incredibly lucky to live this life and for my gift as an artist. My hope is to help make our world a better place by inspiring people through my art to appreciate all that we have.”

Dania has had numerous solo and group showings, and her works are collected by both the public and private sectors. Her art has been featured in films, ads and TV specials. Madera-Lerman was the subject of two televised documentaries; CBC's Sunday Arts Entertainment, and Bravo's Talkin'Blues airing in both Canada and the USA. In 2010, Dania moved with her husband and 3 cats to live on 45 acres of sprawling, rugged terrain at the base of the Canadian Shield just north of Havelock, Ontario. Their home is a new design in environmentally sustainable living and is situated beside the scenic Crowe River. Says Dania “I am tremendously inspired by all of nature’s beauty and every day I feel deeply grateful to be living here, to be part of this world and to be able to paint that which I truly love.“

So welcome to Dania's world of paintings.

Enjoy the journey. Peace.