Story by Maggie Jackson Photography by Don Denton

Art has always been a part of Dianne Kelly害羞草研究所檚 life. 害羞草研究所淎rt is something I do and have always done. I come from a creative family. The round oak table in our dining room was often filled with chaos as my siblings and I glued, painted and sparkled away.害羞草研究所�

Even as a teacher, art was at the forefront. 害羞草研究所淚 had a fulfilling career as an elementary school teacher. I would tell my class they might have to miss a subject once in a while, but they will never miss an art lesson! I have changed, evolved, had varied life experiences and gone through different phases in my life. I have created art through it all.害羞草研究所�

Dianne loves the process of creation. 害羞草研究所淢y favourite things about creating art is the exploring, the problem-solving and the watching of the work unfold and reveal itself. It害羞草研究所檚 almost like opening a gift. As the British author, Neil Gaiman said, 害羞草研究所楾he world always seems brighter when you害羞草研究所檝e just made something that wasn害羞草研究所檛 there before.害羞草研究所櫤π卟菅芯克鶟

Dianne has been drawn to many artists at different times in her life. Georgia O害羞草研究所橩eefe influenced her large florals, Chagall her 2018 whimsical series; however, she has been most inspired by Picasso. 害羞草研究所淗e has so many diverse styles, it害羞草研究所檚 like seeing many different artists in one. He is fearless and bold. If he were to walk into my studio today, I would say, 害羞草研究所楾hank you. You have encouraged me to become a better artist, to explore, to take chances.害羞草研究所櫤π卟菅芯克鶟

Today, Dianne害羞草研究所檚 paintings are bright, rich and abstract. It wasn害羞草研究所檛 that long ago that she painted with a more subdued colour palette. 害羞草研究所淎s I change and grow, my style changes. My art is expressed in the voice that speaks to me at that time. I like some of my pieces more than others, but I don害羞草研究所檛 have a favourite. Sometimes it害羞草研究所檚 the subject I like or the contrasting colours playing against each other that I find appealing.害羞草研究所�

Dianne creates in more than one medium. 害羞草研究所淚 love challenges and trying new things. I have experimented with watercolour, sculpture, collage, papier m芒ch茅 and paverpol. I also enjoy writing, and have written and illustrated a children害羞草研究所檚 book, which is in the Public Library害羞草研究所檚 Emerging Authors害羞草研究所� collection.害羞草研究所�

Dianne害羞草研究所檚 philosophy and the advice she would like to share with up-and-coming artists is: 害羞草研究所淒o not compare yourself to others or judge yourself too harshly. Take the 害羞草研究所渕e害羞草研究所� out of the piece and let the creation begin. Be brave.害羞草研究所�

You can see Dianne Kelly害羞草研究所檚 art at and at the Coast Collective on Wale Road. While you害羞草研究所檙e there, say hello to their new Executive Director, Jillan Valpy.