Interview with Diamante Lavendar
Could you please introduce yourself and tell us how you started in the arts? and your first experience in art making?
My name is Diamante Lavendar. I'm an artist and an author. I have been interested and intrigued by artistic things my entire life. As a child I began creating art, poetry and stories to deal with life situations. I also enjoyed art as a form of expression. Art is a huge part of my being and spirit. I feel it is the essence of who I am.
As a grade school student, I began receiving awards for art that I made in my classes. I also had art displayed (still on display 40 years later) in the school hallways that I attended. It's an intricate part of who I am and how I express myself.
How would you describe yourself and your artwork?
My art is an extension of what I've dealt with in life. It is also the process of rebirth that I've experienced. Art is my visual life story and the exploration of what I've been through.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
My inspiration through sadness and joy is life: what I've known, who I've known, what these people and things have meant to me and how I've dealt with all of the experiences in my fifty years on this planet. Some of my art is whimsical, most is spiritual and some is grief stricken, just depending on what I happen to be dealing with at the moment.
I've lost several children and their departure from my life has been a huge impact in my art and writing to date.
What emotions do you hope the viewers experience when looking at your art?
I hope the viewers can empathize. I also wish for them to find hope from my pieces. Life can be very harsh. This has been my experience. If I can send hope and love to my viewers then I feel that my life journey has been worthwhile and meaningful in a way.
When do you know that an artwork is finished?
I have a sense of completion. When I feel that I can't improve the piece any more then I consider it finished.
What has been the most exciting moment in your art career so far?
The most exciting moment in my career to date was winning three awards for my digital art from the 2017 American Art Awards sponsored by Huffington Post. Also the Best Of Show award for my piece entitled Thinning Of The Veil. I was fortunate enough to win Publisher's Choice Award and a magazine article for two of my pieces from Art and Beyond as well as Honorable Mention and Special Recognition for several pieces from several galleries. Every award is a huge honor for me since my art is deeply personal and reflects my beliefs and experiences.
How long does it take to produce one work?
When I'm feeling inspired, sometimes five hours. Other times it may take days to finish a piece. I get into a highly concentrated state when I'm creating art so it consumes me until the piece is finished. I have a hard time walking away from a piece that I've started.
8. What exciting projects are you working on right now? Can you share some of the future plans for your artworks?
At the moment I'm being struck with creating spiritual pieces. My eighteen year old daughter passed away a year and half ago and it has been traumatizing. Since she left, I've been consumed by spiritual concepts. That is the majority of what I've been creating at present. I anticipate many more spiritual pieces in the days ahead.
I am also in the process of attempting to find some galleries hosting solo exhibitions. This is one of my future goals.
Do you have any upcoming events or exhibitions we should know about?
Some of my art pieces are being considered for more awards as we speak. I'm anticipating the outcome of these results. I've also applied for more gallery exhibition opportunities.
Where do you see your art going in five years?
In five years I would love to have numerous solo exhibitions under my belt. I'd also love to have received more recognition of my work. That would be ideal!
Contact details:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diamantelavendar.writer.artist/
