Born and raised on Long Island, New York, Daniel decided to stay close to his roots and attend Dowling College in Oakdale, NY. There he received his BFA in Art Education and was teaching full time by the fall of 2001. After teaching at the prestigious Knox Boarding School, Daniel took a position in the public school system where he taught art to children of all ages. Though extremely rewarding, this was not his true calling. It was at this time Daniel decided to divert his attention from teaching art to creating art, and in the summer of 2005, he formed The Renaissance Workshop. Specializing in all things art, The Renaissance Workshop gave Daniel the opportunity to expand his horizons, creatively.
As demand for commissioned work increased, Daniel began developing his expressive style, implementing techniques that emphasized texture over realism. Though the work depicted realistic scenes, the effects produced an almost ethereal feeling. The imagery began to take a back seat to the memory of which the image represented. Over time, Daniel began portraying everyday life from the perspective of a passer-by, witnessing one of life’s intimate moments. This inevitably led to, an almost, visual biography of his life. The work began to depict scenes of his past, not as it may have happened, but more as it was remembered- a snapshot, not of a particular moment but of an overall memory. As the work developed, Mr. Del Orfano began using more and more symbolic imagery. The imagery, though subtle at times, gives a background story to the piece while adding additional subtext. One symbolic image Daniel has commonly depicted is a red umbrella. This was developed over the years because of two, distinct impressions. First, Mr. Del Orfano has long been intrigued by the fact that, while walking in New York, if caught, unprepared, in a rainstorm, salvation was only a block away at a corner vender. For a few dollars, you can continue on your way protected from the elements. This idea then developed into using an umbrella as a symbolic image for protection and security. Secondly, the color red was then used to portray passion and, at times determination. While always evolving and experimenting, Daniel’s work will continue to delve into the personal and intimate aspects of life. At times, the work will be risqué. Other times, the piece will be more whimsical. But, whatever the mood, it’s the feeling of the memory that he hopes to depict. |
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