Diana Contreras has established herself as an influential Miami artist. From painting murals in the street art scene, to exhibiting in various galleries, her work has been seen in exhibitions and private collections in several parts of the world.
Nicole
Didi, your women grab my attention wherever I see them. How do you pick your subject matter? Are they from real models?
Diana
These girls are a combination of fashion, models, actresses, and my imagination. I mix it all up to create these beautiful, strong, feminine women.
Nicole
How do you choose your color palette? Is seems to be very distinctive.
Diana
I always try to have a plan for a color palette. I also give myself the freedom to improvise and have fun with colors. I love to use fluorescent colors but shock pink is my favorite. They remind me of the Miami sunsets.
Nicole
I notice you paint a lot of animals, too. Is that a labor of love as well?
Diana
I love animals and they are fun to paint. It started off with me just painting pets for friends as gifts. Then, people started to commission me to paint their pets. There was a time that I painted “Grumpy Cat.” I would paint it and leave it outside, whoever found it got to keep it. It was like a scavenger hunt every Friday called “Free Art Fridays.”
Nicole
What are you mediums of choice and why?
Diana
I love using oil because of it’s wonderful blending qualities. When I started painting murals I couldn’t use oil so I taught myself how to spray paint. Spray paint is great because it’s so fast and the colors are so bright! My favorite is mixing oil and aerosol on canvas. I believe that combo brings the best out of me.
Nicole
Do you paint with any collectives? I just saw a large gate you did with two other very talented artists for JMZ Walls- do you paint walls, canvases, etc., for other collectives?
Diana
I usually paint with artist friends. JMZ walls was the first collective I have worked with. I enjoy collaborations and painting with a variety of artists, brands, projects, etc.
Nicole
Please tell us about your piece for Boundless Brooklyn. Is that for sale?
Diana
I have done two shows with Boundless Brooklyn. The first one was for Basel and it sold. The one in New York was called “Towers of Power” curated by Claw. I was honored to be a part of this amazing group of women artists. The idea was to create a tower that reflected what girl power meant to you. My was called “I Won’t Cry for You (My Mascara is too expensive)” it’s based on a quote by Adriana Lima. I painted a woman putting on mascara and on the left side it pictures her eye in the different stages of putting on mascara. I wanted to have fun with this topic so my message was don’t cry over boys who are not worth it. A boy who is worth it won’t make you cry. It is still available on http://clawandco.com/i-wont-cry-for-you for $250.
Nicole
Can you tell our readers about the Murals and Girls project you and four other artist were selected for? How did that come about?
Diana
I have a very exciting project that needs funding. I am teaming up with Murals and Girls and Instagrafite to create a HUGE mural in Albuquerque, New Mexico and it will be the first annual Murals and Girls Mega Mural Production (Women Crushing Walls). The artists are Shalak Attack, Zabou, Fiyabruxa, Zurik 1, and myself. Its sponsored in part by @GrindSk8Club and the people who support us through Go Fund me. Artists have donated art, clothing, stickers, bags, etc. that people could purchase. All the money goes to the cause. I have been part of the Murals and Girls family for a few years now. I was so happy that they asked me to be a part of this.
Nicole
When you do collaborations with other artists- how is that managed? Do you sketch everything before going on a surface together or go freestyle?
Diana
When I do collaborations I prefer to sketch out everything on paper first. Just so everyone knows what the other artist is doing. Sometimes we have to freestyle. I enjoy both and once you work with the same people it becomes easier.
Nicole
Do you show in galleries, too? If so, where and do you have any upcoming shows to be aware of?
Diana
I started off showing in galleries. I currently have work at Wyn317, BaCA, and I recently had my first solo show at Redefine Gallery in Orlando. I am preparing in my studio for Basel Shows in December.
Nicole
What has been your most favorite piece to date? Was it a challenge to create?
Diana
My artwork is like my children it’s so hard to pick a favorite. I guess my favorites would have to be the most sentimental ones and the ones that took years to complete. For now, my favorite is “You Stop My Heart” which I began in 2011 and finished in 2015.
Nicole
If our readers want to see more of your work, where can they go?
Diana
My work can be seen on my website www.dianacontreras.com, Instagram @didirok, or at my studio in Little Havana. You can make appointments at art@dianacontreras.com
Diana on Instagram
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