Life and Work with Diana Benedetti

Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Benedetti.

Diana, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born and raised in Cartagena, Colombia. As a child growing up in my hometown and as an adult, when I moved to the U.S. in 1989, the nature of the human condition has intrigued me and made me search within myself, finally discovering a devotion and mission in life. My ideas and experiences are the sparks that inspired my artwork. I use nature, color, and objects as tools to convey a message of hope, faith, and love.

I have worked professionally as a full-time artist for more than 30 years. I started attending Beaux Art School in Cartagena when I was only 11 years old. I have also been to college as a fine arts student at Georgia State University, Miami Dade College and the University of Miami. In UM, I attended Art History courses, which have broadened my knowledge of old masters helping me to become bolder in the themes I explore. My childhood and life as a wife and mother, have also been a fountain of inspiration for my work.

My pieces are full of vibrant colors with textures that enrich their content. I love using oils because it is a very noble medium. I love their brightness and smooth consistency, which let me manipulate the paint in many ways. I also love the slow drying time and the durability of oils: With the appropriate technique, works in oil will last a lifetime.

As a mature artist, I am exploring abstraction, not leaving behind realism and trompe l’oeil. I use symbols which come together to tell a story of human nature, of our perfection and imperfections. My mission as an artist is accomplished when my art brings emotions to the viewer. I humbly aspire to improve the world and somehow, make it a better place to live.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Life is never a smooth road. Those who think otherwise have not lived a fulfilling life. I think obstacles are lessons or opportunities to improve. Obstacles should not be avoided, but confronted as challenges to grow and mature. I have been very grateful for the life I have lived and the challenges along the way.

My advice is to choose joy and give thanks for everything, EVERYTHING, good or bad. Believe in yourself, respect yourself and cherish what you have, especially those who surround you.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
As I said, I am an artist. I work with passion and use my work to bring joy to those who view my art. I try to be truthful to my beliefs and aim to convey a message of love through my pieces. I don’t do work as mere decoration pieces, but as conversation pieces that stir emotions and even spark controversy.

Contact Info:

• Address:8510 SW 57th path
  Miami, FL 33143
• Website: dianabenedetti.com
• Phone:3056320860
• Email:info@dianabenedetti.com
• Instagram:@dianabenedettiart
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dianabenedettiartist/

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