About
Danielle Blackwell is a multidisciplinary artist working at the intersection of fiber art, sculpture, Watercolor and performance. Rooted in a lifelong fascination with transformation and storytelling, her work explores the emotional and symbolic language of cloth — where every stitch, fold, or seam becomes a vessel for memory, intuition, and myth. Whether creating garments for the stage or intricately embroidered textile pieces, Dani’s practice centers the human body as both canvas and carrier of meaning.
She has collaborated with some of the Pacific Northwest’s most innovative choreographers and performers, including Maureen Whiting, Ezra Dickinson, Rainbow Fletcher, Fiona Pepe, Peggy Piacenza, Paige Barnes, Dayna Hanson, Karin Stevens, Maia Melene D’urfé and The Offshore Project, whose production was featured in the On the Boards A.W.A.R.D. Showcase. She contributed to the puppet designs for Pacific Northwest Ballet’s 2024 production of Sleeping Beauty, working alongside artist Erik Andor and the design team led by Oscar-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell, Basil Twist, and Preston Singletary.
Dani studied at Cornish College of Fine Arts and in the Apparel Design program at Seattle Central College, later apprenticing with celebrated artist Mark Mitchell (BURIAL, Frye Art Museum). Together they worked on projects for Shabazz Palaces, Cherdonna Shinatra, and Intiman Theatre’s Angels in America. Her work has been shown at venues including the Seattle Art Museum, Mini Mart City Park, Z Space (San Francisco), and ACT Theatre, and has been featured in Z!NK Magazine and on the SIFF red carpet via Art Zone with Nancy Guppy.
Born in Michigan and shaped by early years living abroad in Turkey, Dani came of age moving between states — always accompanied by stories, musicals, and her mother’s belief in making something extraordinary from the everyday. That ethos continues to guide her fiber-based explorations today: uniting care, precision, and a kind of quiet devotion that imbues each piece with presence and history.
Dani currently teaches with Path with Art, leading trauma-informed fiber arts classes that emphasize both skill-building and soul-tending. Her studio work includes embroidery, quilting, soft sculpture, watercolor, ceramic and costume design. She welcomes inquiries from curators and collectors, and is especially interested in collaborations that explore the space between the visible and the felt.
Exhibitions & Presentations
ArtLove Salon, 2025 — Maia’s eyes, Pluto in Aquarius, Tiny Goliath & Burden of Joy embroidery
Featured in Public Display Arts magazine, 2025 — embroidery & soft sculpture
Sleeping Beauty, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Seattle, WA, 2024 (puppet collaboration)
Psychic Radio Star, On the Boards, Seattle, WA, 2016
Residency: Psychic Radio Star, Fort Worden, Port Townsend, WA, 2015
This is Halloween, The Triple Door, Seattle, WA, 2016–2019
The Offshore Project, On the Boards AWARD Showcase, Seattle, WA, 2018
MOTHER by Paige Barnes, Oxbow Gallery, Georgetown, WA — Soft sculpture
Belly by Maureen Whiting, Seattle, WA — Costume Design & Dramaturgy
The Event by Peggy Piacenza, Seattle, WA — Costume Design
The Clay Duke- Dayna Hanson, Seattle, WA 2013 — Consultant
Art Zone with Nancy Guppy, SIFF Red Carpet, Seattle, WA — Designer
Featured in Z!NK Magazine, 2011 — Costumes photographed by Fiona Pepe for Maureen Whiting Dance
Kublakhan Fashion Runway Show, Tacoma, WA, 2006 — Costume Designer
Tacoma Arts Festival Fashion Show, Tacoma, WA, 2006 — Designer
100th Monkey Performance Series, Tacoma, WA, 2006–07 — Stage Design
Contact Dani
Tell me about your atistic vision and design challenges and I’ll tell you how I can help.
Email Dani Today