Story by Maggie Jackson Photography by Don Denton

Art has always been a part of Dianne KellyB次元官网网址檚 life. B次元官网网址淎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.B次元官网网址�

Even as a teacher, art was at the forefront. B次元官网网址淚 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.B次元官网网址�

Dianne loves the process of creation. B次元官网网址淢y favourite things about creating art is the exploring, the problem-solving and the watching of the work unfold and reveal itself. ItB次元官网网址檚 almost like opening a gift. As the British author, Neil Gaiman said, B次元官网网址楾he world always seems brighter when youB次元官网网址檝e just made something that wasnB次元官网网址檛 there before.B次元官网网址橞次元官网网址�

Dianne has been drawn to many artists at different times in her life. Georgia OB次元官网网址橩eefe influenced her large florals, Chagall her 2018 whimsical series; however, she has been most inspired by Picasso. B次元官网网址淗e has so many diverse styles, itB次元官网网址檚 like seeing many different artists in one. He is fearless and bold. If he were to walk into my studio today, I would say, B次元官网网址楾hank you. You have encouraged me to become a better artist, to explore, to take chances.B次元官网网址橞次元官网网址�

Today, DianneB次元官网网址檚 paintings are bright, rich and abstract. It wasnB次元官网网址檛 that long ago that she painted with a more subdued colour palette. B次元官网网址淎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 donB次元官网网址檛 have a favourite. Sometimes itB次元官网网址檚 the subject I like or the contrasting colours playing against each other that I find appealing.B次元官网网址�

Dianne creates in more than one medium. B次元官网网址淚 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 childrenB次元官网网址檚 book, which is in the Public LibraryB次元官网网址檚 Emerging AuthorsB次元官网网址� collection.B次元官网网址�

DianneB次元官网网址檚 philosophy and the advice she would like to share with up-and-coming artists is: B次元官网网址淒o not compare yourself to others or judge yourself too harshly. Take the B次元官网网址渕eB次元官网网址� out of the piece and let the creation begin. Be brave.B次元官网网址�

You can see Dianne KellyB次元官网网址檚 art at and at the Coast Collective on Wale Road. While youB次元官网网址檙e there, say hello to their new Executive Director, Jillan Valpy.