Hey, there. You found my empathy-shaped corner of the internet! Welcome. I’m Dana Variano (they/NIghtcrawlerⓧ), and I’m a nonbinary artist, communications strategist, and cynical optimist. By day I produce creative advocacy campaigns for issue-driven organizations, and by night I draw (in pen, on paper) and bike around the Hudson Valley, New York.
Much of my artwork is a direct response to the frustration, loneliness, and complex disconnection/connection created by modern digital media.
I use visual data tools like charts, graphs, and diagrams to communicate beyond languages and cultures to explore vulnerability and distill the relationship between my emotions, fears, and anxieties, and dreams.
As a trans nonbinary artist and queer human in an increasingly fear-driven world, I also use my drawings and writing to explore the joys and messiness and freedom and heartbreaking growth of becoming my true self.
Thanks for being here – take a look around my portfolio or check out a recent sacrifice to the algorithm. You can also get some merch through my buddy Steven’s site here. Oh, and a reminder that now would be a great time to take a deep breath.
<3 Dana
p.s. I just dropped my first zine . signs point to you clicking –>
Shows
- WeRise LA | May 2019 | Los Angeles, CA | Seven pen & ink drawings on paper. Artist link | View digital gallery
- DIYnasty Bizarre – A Love Bizarre | December 2019 | Los Angeles, CA | One pen & ink drawing on paper.
- fifty lady justice – PLAY room | October 2021 | Zaandam, Netherlands | War rug in collaboration with Airco Caravan
- Defaultman – Art Zaanstad | May 2022 | Zaandam, Netherlands | War rug in collaboration with Airco Caravan, Four pen & ink drawings on paper.
- Made in Dolland, ft. Dolly Bellefleur (Ruud Douma) – Art Zaanstad | June – August 2022 | Zaandam, Netherlands | War rug in collaboration with Airco Caravan.
Image Licensing
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Interested in licensing an image for your website, newsletter, or training? Contact me!