Rediscovering Wonder: Dan Wagoner’s Creative Awakening Through Fatherhood and Clay
For artist Dan Wagoner, the turning point in his creative journey wasn’t a grand epiphany under a gallery spotlight, rather it was the quiet, everyday magic of watching his children fearlessly express themselves through art. Though he had always carried a deep creative instinct, Dan’s work as a software engineer often took center stage. But when he observed his kids exploring the world of imagination without any concern for rules or outcomes, something clicked. Their unfiltered curiosity and joy became a mirror, reflecting back a part of himself he had long set aside. This return to artistic expression wasn’t just a change of hobby, it was a profound realignment with his inner voice.
Wagoner’s art today carries a spirit of freedom and experimentation rooted in that epiphany. By shedding the pressure of perfection, he began to view the act of creating as a process of discovery, rather than one of destination. This mindset, influenced by his children’s approach to creativity, allowed him to blend his analytical background in software engineering with a renewed sense of play. It wasn’t about abandoning structure entirely, but about finding a balance between discipline and spontaneity. His technical training from years in software still informs his craft, but now it’s tempered with the softness of human imperfection and emotional depth.
As he continued to make art, Wagoner noticed an evolution in his voice and style. What once may have leaned more toward precision and control gradually gave way to more personal, expressive work. He became more comfortable allowing flaws and surprises to emerge, seeing them as opportunities rather than setbacks. The interplay between different mediums like the loose, flowing nature of watercolor influencing the feel of his ceramic work underscoring this growth. His creative identity, once compartmentalized, is now more integrated, fluid, and reflective of his full self.
Among the many techniques he uses, Wagoner finds a particular comfort in the rhythmic, meditative nature of working with clay. Throwing on the wheel is more than just a craft; it’s a grounding ritual. The repetition of movement, the tactile sensation of shaping earth with his hands, these bring a kind of stillness, a familiarity that helps quiet the noise of daily life. It’s a reminder that art isn’t always about innovation or making a statement. Sometimes, it’s simply about showing up and finding peace in the process.
More than anything, Wagoner’s relationship with art is deeply personal and therapeutic. It’s a way to process emotions, to sift through thoughts that might not surface otherwise. In a world that constantly demands productivity and outcomes, the act of creating gives him a rare and vital pause and a space to simply be. The final artwork is almost secondary; the real value lies in the making itself. It’s a place where he can be honest, vulnerable, and fully present.
Yet like many artists, Wagoner has faced his share of inner conflict, particularly around perfectionism. Coming from a field where logic and precision rule, it was challenging to accept the chaotic, uncertain nature of creative work. That inner critic, always asking if something is “good enough,” threatened to stifle his growth. But over time, he learned to let go of rigid expectations and embrace unpredictability. This shift not only freed his work but also reshaped how he sees creativity; not as a product to be judged, but as a personal journey to be experienced.
Today, Wagoner strives to maintain an honest dialogue with himself in his art. While audience perception used to loom large, he’s now more focused on staying true to what feels meaningful. Paradoxically, by prioritizing authenticity over approval, his work often resonates more deeply with others. People connect to what’s real and that’s what he aims to offer. In a world hungry for genuine expression, Dan Wagoner’s story is a p
