Born in Toronto in 1957, Danielle O'Connor Akiyama grew up in a creative family encouraged to paint; she continued when, as a teen, she went travelling to recouperate from illness. As well as enjoying this artistic creation, Danielle also studied and worked as an Art Therapist exploring the power of art to heal.

Danielle's work is a vibrant fusion of East and West influenced greatly by her travels. She studied Sumi-e (Japanese Brush Painting), where her spirited brushstroke earnt the name 'chi-sho' - a source of joy. While each brush stroke is placed with consideration, her works are not predictable, using a variety of media and a relaxed impressionistic style full of colour, life and energy.