Today we’d like to introduce you to Dani Altieri Marinucci.
Hi Dani Altieri, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
For 25 years, I created realism and portrait art with meticulous detail. Now, I’m riding out on a completely different creative adventure with DAMFunArt – where gel plates, pareidolia, and pure fun have replaced my old rules.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For years, I thrived as a portrait and realism artist. Each painting was a step forward—learning, developing, becoming better with every day. It was deeply rewarding work. But there was a catch: without photography, I felt stuck. I didn’t think I had much of an imagination. Then came the third act of my life, and with it, a shift. I needed new ways to express myself artistically—ways that didn’t rely on a reference photo, ways that surprised even me.
That’s when I discovered gel-plate printing and pareidolia: the art of finding faces, characters, and stories in unexpected patterns and textures. Suddenly, imagination wasn’t something I lacked—it was something I could uncover, layer by layer, print by print.
Now, I create whimsical mixed-media art that celebrates play, discovery, and narrative. Each piece tells a story. Each character emerges from the process itself.
My tagline says it all: “Formerly a fine artist, now a fun artist.”
This is my third act. And it’s the most fun I’ve ever had.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I create narrative-driven mixed-media art prints using gel-plate printing and my pareidolia—the art of discovering faces and characters in unexpected patterns. Each piece begins with layers of texture and color, and through the process, whimsical personalities emerge. I don’t start with a plan or a photo reference; I let the characters reveal themselves.
I specialize in transforming abstract textures into storytelling art. My collections—Crowd, Grid, and Scribble—feature playful characters with distinct personalities. Some pieces are even printed on upcycled materials like recycled security envelopes, blending creativity with sustainability.
What Sets Me Apart:
I’m a reformed realist. For years, I relied on photography to create portrait and realism work. I didn’t think I had much imagination. But entering my 60s, I discovered I didn’t need a camera—I needed curiosity. Now I find characters hiding in gel-plate prints, and each one tells a story I never could have planned.
What I’m Most Proud Of:
Making the leap from “fine” to “fun.” Letting go of perfectionism and embracing play has been transformative—not just artistically, but personally. I’m proud that my work now reflects joy, discovery, and the courage to create without a safety net.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I’m an open book, so anyone who knows me won’t be surprised by much.
They already know I live my life hard—always following different paths, always in pursuit of learning more and getting better. That’s been the constant in everything I’ve done.
What might surprise them is that the artist who once couldn’t imagine creating without a photograph is now finding faces in abstract prints and calling it play. The drive is the same. The freedom is new.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://DAMFunArt.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dani_altieri_marinucci
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/DaniAltieriMarinucci
