By Erica Bowlin for the Times-Tribune

Click here to see the Aug. 4, 2008 Neighbors section in its entirety


Although Danella Malloy, 57, of Corbin had always possessed a natural talent for drawing, she didn’t realize her true potential when she was a child. She doodled and enjoyed arts and crafts, but never pictured herself growing up to be a full-fledged artist.

“My mother was an artist for Disney, so you would think I’d be incredibly interested in a career in art, Danella explained, “but I wasn’t. I dreamed, like many other young girls do, that I would grow up and meet my prince charming. I also dreamed of growing up to be a good wife and mother.”

Danella did marry and have two children, and although it wasn’t the fairy tale she had envisioned, it was a good life.

Danella spent most of her life taking care of her children, her home, and working.

“I always enjoyed doing arts and crafts projects and things while the kids were growing up,” she said, “but that’s about as far as it went for a while. I had to work to pay the bills, and between taking care of my kids and working, I really didn’t have time to think about art.

After her children were grown, life changed. Danella and her husband separated and ended their marriage in divorce.

Being alone and having ‘idle time’ caused Danella to have feelings of depression. The holiday season was especially hard.

“I was sitting at home by myself around Christmas last year, and I needed to keep my hands and mind busy. I was feeling sad and alone, and I knew I needed an outlet. So I sat down with a piece of typing paper and just started drawing,” said Danella.

Danella began sketching as a way to release the release some of the stress and anxiety she had been feeling.

“The first ones I drew were very simple and emotional,” she said. “I expressed my negative feelings by putting them on paper. It was therapeutic for me. If you’re going through a hard time in life, you have to choose. You can let those negative thoughts overcome you, or you can stand up and do something positive, and that’s just what I did.

Danella continued sketching at home on her lunch break at Wal-Mart. She sketched whenever and wherever she could. Over the next few months, she continued drawing.

“I found that the more I drew, the better I felt,” Danella recalled. “I really started to enjoy doing it, and I got so much positive feedback from my family and friends and coworkers, that it made me happy. It became fun.”

In April, Danella decided to take her drawings to the Corbin Library and make a few copies.

Brenda Huff, director of the Corbin Public Library, was working when she saw Danella’s drawings for the first time.

“She asked if we could make copies of these drawings, and as I got a closer look, they were just beautiful, said Huff. “I was really blown away by how wonderful her art was. Once we started talking, I was amazed to find out she had only started drawing recently. I informed Ms. Malloy that we had space in our community room, and we’d be happy to have her work on display.

Brenda never dreamed her drawings would be on display, it seemed too good to be true.

“I was honestly in shock,” said Danella. “I couldn’t believe it! It amazed me that they really wanted to display my work. I was so excited, and nervous. I wondered how people would react to my drawings.”

The reaction to Danella’s artwork has been overwhelmingly positive. The display began in April and was originally planned to last a month. Danella is excited that the library is still displaying her work. Several of her drawings have been sold, and Danella plans to continue drawing and continue to pursue her new career.

At any given time there are about 10-15 pieces on display, and Danella continues to work on new drawings and rotate them in the collection.

“I still can’t believe all this is really happening,” she said. “It is so rewarding to know that something that has come from my imagination, a feeling from my heart that can impact another person. It makes me so happy to know that people can look at my drawings and identify and relate to what I am trying to say.

Though she didn’t start pursuing art until later in life, Danella Malloy is very optimistic. Along with her new career as an artist, Danella has found a new outlook.

Danella spent a few minutes reflecting on her good fortune.

“This just makes me think anything is possible. Imagine, me doing this in my 50’s. It just proves that even if it’s later in life, it’s never too late to pursue your heart’s desires. Someday I hope to make a good living with my art. It feels good to do something you love and get paid for it. And you know something? I deserve it.”

Danella Malloy’s artwork can be viewed at the Corbin Library in the community room during normal business hours. Monday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m, Friday 1-6 p.m. and Wednesday and Saturday from 10a.m. to 2 p.m.

For information or purchase her artwork, contact Danella at 606-521-7591.

Erica Bowlin is a former Miss Whitley County and is currently a mother of four living in Lily. You can contact her at ericalynnbowlin@yahoo.com