Tobi at The Lost River General Store with “Shattered Fox”

Tobi is an animal lover, nature appreciator and a creator of visual arts.

Deep in the heart of West Virginia’s Lost River Valley, amidst whispering pines and vibrant songbirds, dwells a self-taught artist named Tobi Dannemiller and her husband, Josh. Don’t expect stuffy studios or pretentious canvases at her cabin. There, inspiration flows freely from the very soul of the forest, translated onto paper with vibrant Japanese Watercolors called Gansai.

While Tobi’s artistic talent bloomed early, doubts, like pesky thorns, snagged her path. “It won’t pay the bills,” a voice cautioned, steering her towards the corporate grind. The way Tobi tells it; Years slowly ticked by; stress bloomed into chronic illness, and a stark choice emerged: suffocate in the “American dream” or rediscover the joys of nature while finding healing, art and her true self.

The Valley embraced Tobi with open arms and reminded her of simpler times as the tall white pines whispered in her ear “relax and breathe”. Now, each brushstroke captures the spirit of forest creatures, their fur and feathers aglow with light and soul. Each painting sighs a heartfelt connection, bridging the gap between humans and the wonders of the wild.

This full-time artist’s journey is a tribute to the power of pursuing passion. “Living the dream” means pine needles and campfire smoke in her hair, exploring the forest with her husband, art supplies littering the whole house and the deep satisfaction of sharing her love of the natural world. So, next time you see a Tobi Dannemiller creation, remember: it’s ok to chase your true self, the one that you gave up so long ago, no matter the obstacles. After all, even the most beautiful stories sometimes start with a thorny path.

Let Tobi Dannemiller’s art ignite your own passion! Visit her website at http://www.tobitokens.com. Or, see her works in-person at local galleries in Hardy County, West Virginia and explore the wonders of the Lost River Valley, one brushstroke at a time.

P.S. You might just find the occasional pine needle or moss in her hair, dog fur on her clothes and a twinkle in her eye.