Today we’d like to introduce you to Diane Gelman.
Hi Diane, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have a Master’s Degree in Nutrition and formerly had a long career in Dietetics. About 35 years ago, I randomly painted a huge mural in my kitchen, without any formal art training. I enjoyed it so much that afterwards, I marched myself over to a local community college and started taking Painting 101. I kept taking painting classes there, and eventually enrolled at Glassell School of Art, part of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. The experience was often discouraging because I felt like I had little talent when I compared myself to my classmates. I kept at it anyway because I was driven to learn to make art. After about 7 years of taking one class each semester, I learned that I could apply the course credit I’d already taken, retroactively to earn a Certificate of Fine Arts. I eventually graduated after nearly 10 years. I still didn’t even realize that I was an artist.
A few years later I met an artist who already had a studio. She and I became great friends and she mentored me. We applied for a couple of competitions together. Our work wasn’t selected either time but I realized that I could write proposals. I also talked my way into having a solo show at a combination market, restaurant, bar. I had tried contacting the owner with no effect. One day I packed my car up with my artwork, introduced myself and asked the owner to come out to my car. He did and agreed to me having a solo show there. I sold a bunch of work at that show. That gave me the confidence I needed to get a studio. At first I shared a small studio, then I had it to myself, and eventually moved to a bigger space with more light and an exterior door. My studio is at The Silos at Sawyer yards, which is a campus of many buildings made up of artists and “creatives”. I specialize in Food-based artwork, combining both my love of food and art-making.
I create Mixed Media artwork full time in my studio. I sell work in my studio, through gallery representation, and by commission. I apply for competitions, grants, and other art opportunities.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It was a struggle becoming an artist because I was very critical of my work and level of talent. I often despaired of the work I was making, wanting so much to learn to make fine art. It was a slow process that required tremendous persistence. I am a very stubborn person and I just kept at it for a very long time. All the while I kept taking classes, and learned many lessons from them, which I continue to apply today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a mixed media artist, layering together images, designs, and fantasy. Much of my artworks are hyper-realistic food sculptures and paintings. My work is whimsical, colorful, and full of realistic details. A signature aspect of my artwork is my unique method of adding texture, vitality and depth to my paintings, using paint, layered foam board, cardboard, and fabric. I have invented many techniques to create real looking foods from foam board, paper, paint, and glue. My methods with collage mix the boundaries between figure and ground, portrait and landscape, fine art and craft. The result is tactile, bold work that engages process, form, and narrative equally.
Many paintings have an exciting 3 dimensional aspect with collage, adding depth and interest. I often apply hand carved, layered, and painted foam core board to my work. It adds a sculptural element and dimensionality. I often use a pastry bag to apply garnishes and extruded, defined paint applications. I have invented my own special techniques for making my painted and collaged foods look so real that the viewer is tempted to reach into my artwork, for some delicacy.
Artwork featuring food connects with everyone. Food is a basic human necessity but its’ significance transcends beyond mere sustenance. Food maps who we are and where we’ve come from. Food is universally enjoyed by all, across all nationalities and cultures.
I find inspiration everywhere, in shadows, from gorgeous arrays of food, colorful gardens, and interesting people. I start with an idea and let the piece evolve organically from inspiration to full-blown creation of multi-layered design and fantasy. My paintings are improvisations on realistic images fused onto fanciful and imaginative themes. I use additive and reductive processes in creating my work to make the hidden story underneath each artwork more exciting. I create fully integrated, harmonious artwork that is bursting with energy and life.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I found a mentor by networking. I was invited to show my artwork with a group of others at a woman’s event. I admired the resin finish on some artwork and met the artist who created it. I explained that I was intimidated by the diy videos I’d seen on resining. She offered to teach me how and that led to a very worthwhile friendship, collaboration, and her guiding me into becoming a full-fledged artist.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dianegelman.com
- Instagram: http://dianegelman
- Facebook: http://DianeGelmanart
