Local Artist’s work graces skin care Bottles
Vancouver-based artist Dana Mooney’s abstract art has gone Canada-wide thanks to a collaboration with Jergens.
A self-taught artist originally from Abbotsford, Mooney designed a set of five limited-edition bottles for the body care brand’s moisturizers, each featuring an original work inspired by the products contained inside.
Mooney chatted about the collaboration, what it was like to see the bottles on display at her local store, and what’s next.
Q What was the inspiration for the designs?
A Each flavour of the Jergens body lotions already has an established colour to represent it. So, I took that colour and matched the flavour identity with a style of my artwork taken from my collections. For example, Hydrating Coconut is painted in my “Ikat” style, which was a popular collection I was painting for a few years.
Q What has been the feedback?
A I have been having so much fun hearing from people on social media, and in person, their reactions to seeing the bottles on shelves. Everyone is buying multiple bottles and thinks it is just so great that they can have accessible artwork in their homes, and at the same time they are happy to be able to show their support for a Canadian artist by doing so. It’s been a true dream project for me.
Q What was it like seeing the bottles on the shelf for the first time?
A It’s crazy! I have to stop and tell myself to take a moment, this is limited edition and won’t last forever. It’s really actually weird and surreal. I mean, on one hand, I know that I physically painted them and worked on this for months, and then now there they are and it just seems like magic happened somewhere in between.
Q Did you ever imagine, when you first set out as a full-time artist, that you would be doing collaborations of this kind?
A I think when I first started out as an artist my goals were all baby steps and in arm’s reach. I would have never, ever dreamed this big for more than a fleeting moment. But after doing this project with Jergens I know now that my goals have grown exponentially. I love not knowing what’s next, but also that the doors have been opened wide for me. I also hope this inspires other artists to dream a little bigger.
Q What’s next for you?
A I’m exhibiting at IDS Vancouver, Sept. 20-23, and launching two new collections at CF Interiors at the Strathcona location on Sept. 27. I have a hand-painted fabric line about to launch, and a printed fabric and wallpaper collaboration line with designer Michelle Dirkse. I also have an exciting mural project in the works — to be painted this fall. To learn more about Dana Mooney, visit danamooney.com. The limited edition Jergens bottles are available at mass retailers nationwide.