danamurphydesigns

I have recently retired from teaching and am starting up again with artistic pursuits in textiles and wearable art pieces. Advancement in technology has given artists and small business owners access to an international audience. I am excited to develop my Etsy shop and watch it grow. If you want to know more about me, here is a little walk down "my memory lane."

Even as a child, I loved making things and dreamed of being an artist or designer of some sort. Several great summer camps with inspiring arts and crafts directors introduced me to basketry, weaving, beading, soap making, paper making, embroidery, ceramics, print making, nature crafts and more.

As a teenager, in the late 60’s, I was inspired by the street artists on Telegraph Ave. in Berkeley, California with their leather crafts, tie dye, batik, patchwork and psychedelic music posters and graphics. My parents allowed me to paint the garage walls with gigantic zodiac signs personalized for each member of our family. It remained there for 30 years! I always had projects going on and so did my parents. As retail florists and business owners, they were artists and entrepreneurs by trade. I am sure their example enriched my artistic journeys.

I earned my BA in Art with an emphasis in Textile Design from Whitworth University in Spokane, WA. After moving to Portland, OR, I worked at Wildflower Fibres, a weaving and spinning supply store. I was so fortunate to have a job surrounded by inspiring artists, materials and ideas on a daily basis. As a young mother, busy with my children, I managed to do varied commission work. I was a graphic illustrator, created large woven wall hangings, worked as a custom picture framer and taught art classes at the community college and parks department. By the early 80’s, I had my own line of hand painted clothing, Dana Murphy Designs. Of course, all of these diverse “creative skills’ were put to good use for Halloween costumes, birthday party decorations, school musicals, Girl Scout leadership and helping me to be a well rounded creative mom!

Loving to teach, I went back to school for my MA and teaching license. I taught for 20 years in Special Education and to English Language Learners. Teaching left little time for much else so I put most of my creative projects on hold.....but now I am back! If you read this whole thing, congratulations and thanks for sticking with me! It was a fun sentimental journey....Dana