I was born in Vancouver, B.C. and as long as I can remember I was always consumed with art. Early on I traveled to Europe and lived in London. This is when I got my first taste of European history and culture. I did study art by correspondence in London while I worked full time in a publishing company. When I came back to Canada I continued in the publishing business working for magazine, newspaper and book publishers in the graphics department.
I studied fashion design at Capilano College and Helen Lefeaux School of Fashion Design where I graduated with the “Highest Achievement Award” in 1984. The fashion industry was my focus for 10 years. I designed and produced my own line of clothing under my label “Dana Cleland” and sold to retail outlets across Canada. I was involved in an Expo ’86 Fashion Show and was also sponsored by the BC Government to showcase my work at the Toronto Ready To Wear Show in 1989 and in Montreal at the Canadian International Womenswear Show in 1990. Meanwhile I spent any spare time teaching fashion courses at Blanche MacDonald and Vancouver Community College.
Eventually I decided to move on to my true passion and enrolled in a 2nd year painting course at Emily Carr and embarked on a journey in painting. I have participated in numerous group and solo shows and am an active member of the Federation of Canadian Artists.
Group Shows
Solo Showings