My work is inspired by the continuously transformative, life sustaining aspects of nature. The beauty in creation, as well as decay, which leads to rebirth. It highlights how all livings things are interconnected and the need to work in harmony in order to sustain all life. I also explore how to convey inner thoughts outwardly. Our inner monologue (inner tapestry) impacts not only our relationships with ourselves and others, but also our actions and decisions. My exploration looks to nature with its multiple layers in its raw, chaotic, nourishing, yet beautiful forms. It is within nature one can find a connection to our true self and hopefully a sense of peace.
I was initially drawn to photographing nature - landscapes and seascapes - then found that by leaning in and looking closer, one could observe the remarkable aspects of nature that some may overlook or ignore. From the barnacles clinging to the rocks along the shore, to driftwood basking in the sun and surf, over time turning to a soft gray, to the earth’s tiniest artists carving patterns upon a fallen tree, as it is consumed by the elements…slowly returning to the earth, where one day, it will bring forth something new.
Drawing from my photography and digital artwork, I started making sculptures, which comprised of recycled paper, repurposed and found objects, fiber/textile, and other materials. About the same time, I renewed my interest in fiber arts: weaving, felting, embroidery, etc. Both bring a textural component when working with the materials. My creative process is one of working collaboratively with the piece and the materials. I allow for the piece to develop at its own pace, as well as make room for the transformative process by letting go of any predetermined outcome. I have found forcing an art piece leads to frustration, not only for me, but within the piece.
As in my work, Three Ladies in Paper, and more developed in the Walking in Love and Earth Sisters series, my sculptures celebrate Mother Earth/Gaia and the sacred feminine in form and materials; while also outwardly expressing one’s inner monologue (inner tapestry) in both forms and textures. I consciously choose not to include recognizable features, like heads and skin tones, in order that the viewer may place themselves within the piece, without the trappings of societal ideals of the human form.
Dianne has a Bachelor Degree in Art, Associate Degree in Art, and an Associate Degree in Business Administration from the University of Maine at Augusta. She received her Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from Saint Joseph’s College, Maine. She continues to further her skills as an artist, regularly attending continuing studies programs from the Maine College of Art in Portland, Maine, as well as other programs. Areas of continuing studies include: green printmaking, bookmaking, cordwood masonry, felt making and mixed media techniques, bead embroidery, marble sculpting, hand cut dovetails, encaustic, metal sculpture, photography lighting, moldmaking. She has also studied weaving, both Navajo style and tapestry, with Tom Jipson, a New Hampshire textile artist, at Harrisville Design in New Hampshire. Additional studies in weaving with Susan Barrett Merrill and Barbara Burns. She is a member of the Kennebec Valley Art Association, Maine Fiberarts, and the Maine Art Collective.
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