Danny Hughes

Artist's Works Connect, Inspire Viewer

Artist’s Works Connect, Inspire Viewer

By Julian Bermudez
Gazette Art Writer

Danny Hughes is an artist whose history might be familiar to many of us.

Early on as an adult, he found himself moving through a variety of jobs, never finding his true place. Years had been spent in hopes that he would find his purpose in life — his reason for being. Constantly searching, Hughes’ experience led him into a relationship that would change his life.

Sitting at the bar of Christy’s Ristorante, where several paintings are on view, Hughes describes the profound impact his girlfriend had on him.

“I think of her as an angel,” Hughes said. “She taught me that by staying quiet and listening to what’s inside, I would be able to create these paintings.”

For more than a year, Hughes has been painting works of art designed to help each viewer become present in the moment. His paintings are crafted with oils, naturally-weathered paper and resin, resulting in an aged look. Silhouettes of angels along with foreign symbols dominate both large and small-scale canvases.


The ubiquitous symbol of the angel is only too familiar to many people throughout the world. However, the other characters present in Hughes’ works have a deeper meaning — rich in history and purpose.

According to Hughes, the texts represent the divine three-letter combinations known as the 72 Names of God. Known well throughout the Kabbalist community, these “names” are actually energy fields, or visual mantras, designed to unleash the spiritual power within us all. A link on Hughes’ Web site takes you to a page where the “names” are defined as “the key to ridding depression, stress, creative stagnation, anger, illness and other physical and emotional problems.”

Without sounding New-Agey, I asked Hughes to describe a work of art that my friend Zack was immediately drawn to. Instantly there was a connection between the artwork and the two men. Hughes explained that the painting was to inspire the person to believe in their own self, to stop listening to the voices discouraging growth. The words “rise up,” written on the back, encapsulates the painting’s overall message.

My friend agreed. Apparently, he had been in this trap of self-doubt and was needing some form of guidance.

As we continued our conversation, Hughes asserted that he was acting more as a messenger than anything else.

“I’m re-distributing energy that’s already there. Each piece is given a certain energy that touches the individual once they look at it,” Hughes said happily.

“When I’m creating, I’m in a state of bliss. Time stands still.”

Each painting takes about a month to create, due in large part to the weathering process of the paper. which, it turns out, are pages from old bibles, newsprint, or other books. Christy’s Ristorante is hosting an artist’s reception tonight, Thursday, where a portion of the proceeds will go to “Raising Malawi,” a nonprofit organization.

Hughes’ commitment to his work is undeniably infectious. After meeting him, you leave with a sense of joy and kindness towards others.

“We are all connected,” he re-iterates. “The single most important thing to remember is to be kind to ourselves and each other.”


Visit .
Christy’s Ristorante is at 3937 E. Broadway.
Call 433-7133