I never thought I would call myself an artist. But this practice of creating brings so much joy and peace into my life that I wanted to share it with others. I hope by sharing my story it brings a connection to the pieces I make along the way.
because i am inspired
I find joy in creating, in return I hope you find joy in the piece you have selected.
After decades of immersing myself into the Corporate World, I needed a reprieve of sorts...so I took a Mixed Media class in my neighborhood back in 2017. Leaving in tears of joy, I kept going back. What turned into hours and days after work, working out of a journal on the dining room table, then my garage and finally my own studio with art supplies galore and many many classes and retreats and years later. I decided to follow this passion of mine and give it space to grow. I am inspired often by stories of struggle, or inspired by creating a world that sees and honors diversity on a grander scale. Being a first generation American with ties to Germany and Austria, having a Nigerian husband and a mixed race daughter...I find that I wish for more diversity to be reflected in things like greeting cards, wall art, book illustrations, etc etc. So, I started painting faces and putting them in my daughter's room, then in my house and now maybe for your home.
artist statement
I am a mixed media artist that sees a story emerging from each layer I paint. My first few layers are typically gesso to add texture or watercolor/acrylic paints with a lot of fluidity to dance around the piece. I have complete freedom here to allow different colors to mix together to drip, to spray with water. I let each layer dry, and about 5-6 layers in, I have this chaos of a piece that reminds me of the world we live in.
The stress, anxiety...and I am now wishing to restore peace, to find a way to let these paints compliment each other and find connection. Once I dim it down to a calmer realm, I then find inspiration around me, I love painting faces these days. Typically of faces that have a story, maybe looking directly at the viewer, being bold to showcase her strength, maybe looking off to the side, dreaming of what this world could be...or what she may be in this world.
hi, im diane
LEARN A LITTLE MORE ABOUT ME
I BELIEVE: In Truth.
I HOPE: To connect with your heart.
I WAS BORN TO: Inspire others.
I AM HAPPIEST WHEN: I am traveling or in nature.
I FIGHT FOR: Representation.
I DREAM OF: Living abroad.
MY SUPERPOWER IS: Finding a connection with others.
THIS MAKES ME LOL: My daughter.
I WANT TO BE REMEMBERED FOR: Living boldly.
“Let the world know why you are here and do it with passion.”