Sir Daniel Winn
Artist
About
Sir Daniel K. Winn is an internationally recognized blue-chip artist, fine-art curator, awarded entrepreneur, and highly respected philanthropist. In recognition of his direct support to humanitarian causes, Winn was honored the prestigious title of “Sir” when knighted in 2018 under the Princely House of Schaumburg-Lippe-Nachod. Winn’s work has been featured at esteemed exhibitions worldwide. Among many other distinctions, he is the Board Chairman of The Academy of Fine Art Foundation, CEO and curator of Masterpiece Publishing, Inc., and Founder of Winn Slavin Fine Art, one of the most prestigious art galleries in Beverly Hills situated on the famed Rodeo Drive.
"We’re measured by the positive influence we have on others"
Interview
When did it all start?
It all started as a child. I’ve always had an affinity for art and creativity. I have an innate ability to transform materials into sculptures and also create oil on canvas. I’ve been doing it all my life. My creations are part of my childhood to current life with struggles and triumphs I’ve experienced. And it’s has evolved into my philosophy, which I translate through my art as visual language.
If you were an advertisement, what would your slogan be?
We’re measured by the positive influence we have on others.
What does your career mean to you?
My career is my life. It’s who I am. Leaving a legacy is very significant. I feel how I will be remembered will define my existence. I want to ensure that I make a positive impact before I leave this world. Since I have no family or children to continue my philosophical message, I am leaving my art as my legacy for future generations to interpret.
What is your main motivation?
My motivation stems from my desire to make a positive difference in the world. My creativity, epiphanies, and interactions with the people all contribute to the message in my art. I believe I have the ability to create change and to make a meaningful difference in society, culture, and people’s lives through my artworks and visions.
What is the part you enjoy the most? And the worst?
I find immense joy in the process of creating and the journey life has taken me on. Conversely, I experience the most sadness when I have completed an artwork or a project. I feel when I’m done with a painting or a sculpture, there is nothing else I can contribute at that moment of completion—and there’s an overwhelming sense of sadness and emptiness. It’s an ironic and complex emotion, a bittersweet mix of accomplishment and loss. You’ve done all this work but now you have to leave the creation as it is and part ways. The emotion feels almost like the experience of giving life and then seeing death.
Who are your idols?
I don’t know that I have any idols. Possibly my idols are those I draw inspiration from and mostly historical artists who have created amazing masterpieces, like Da Vinci, Caravaggio, and Bernini. I draw inspiration from many other contemporary individuals who’ve made a positive impact on society. These figures serve as motivational guidelines in shaping my life and legacy.
In case you need a break in your career, what else would you like to do?
I love to travel and share my philosophy through various artistic mediums, whether painting, sculptures, or—most recently—filmmaking. My goal is to communicate my vision and philosophy to a global audience. Traveling every corner of the world, experiencing different cultures, meeting people of different ethnicities, sharing my visions, and absorbing the majestic landscape of Mother Nature would be my dream.
Do you consider that nowadays there are more or less opportunities for new artists? Why?
I believe there are both more and fewer opportunities for emerging artists today. The digital age has opened up numerous avenues for creativity, such as 3D printing and digital art, with easier access to showcasing work through social media and the internet. However, this has also led to increased competition as well. While there are more opportunities to create and promote art and the artists’ visions, there’s also a greater volume of art available, making it challenging for artists to stand out. It’s sort of a double-edged sword in terms of opportunity.
What would your idyllic life be like?
My ideal life closely resembles my current life. Waking up each day with an unwavering passion for creating, sharing my philosophy and visual language through art, and having people appreciate and embrace my artistic vision.
What are your next projects?
I have several incredible upcoming projects. And the projects are constantly in the process of evolving, whether it’s a new painting series from my epiphanies, sculpting with complex mixed medium, or filmmaking. I actually have two movies in the works. One is a biopic chronicling my life’s journey from childhood to the present. The other is a full-length, dialogue-free feature film based on my recent award-winning short film “Creation,” which explores my artistic philosophy of Existential Surrealism and in which I play myself again as the artist.
Spotify Playlist