Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana “Didi” Contreras.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I have been drawing ever since I could remember. I was an art major in college but after I graduated I stopped for a few years. It was when I started seeing the amazing murals in Wynwood that I got really inspired to paint on a wall. I started painting little characters here and there but when I painted my first mural in Wynwood is when things changed. Her name was Sofia Rose and she was a big beautiful 15ft Latina woman. This got so much love and attention that it even got a Huff Post write up. This gave me the confidence to keep painting and to continue to push through against all fears.
Please tell us about your art.
I paint beautiful strong women on walls, canvas, cafeteras, or anything you can think of. I love mixing aerosol, oil, and acrylic to create different textures on my art. I create because I have to, it is such a part of who I am. There was a time that I didn’t create and I felt empty. I won’t ever let that happen again. I hope to inspire others to follow their dreams, whatever they may be. My artwork is made to be fun, light, happy, and positive.
What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
I think it has become easier since we no longer have to depend on galleries or dealers to sell artwork. Artists are a small business and they can sell their work themselves through social media. They can now be their own publicist, manager, and do their own marketing.
Cities like ours can help artists thrive by providing low cost studio space, art grants, and more public art opportunities.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
People can see my murals all over Miami, New York, Canada, and now Iowa. I love it when people take photos posing with my murals. It is so fun to see how they interact. People can support by posting, tagging @didirok, and of course purchasing art. Right now, you can see my art at Cafeina in Wynwood or my studio in Little Havana.
Contact Info:
- Address: Studio 1356 in Little Havana
- Website: www.dianacontreras.com
- Phone: 3053036166
- Email: art@dianacontreras.com
- Instagram: didirok
- Facebook: Diana Contreras Art
- Twitter: DContrerasart
Image Credit:
Photo of myself photo credit “by Misstakes”
Alessandro Abate
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
