Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariana “Mari” Diaz.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I’ve been a creative since birth. Always creating and expressing myself in different ways. My journey has been an interesting one though.I first started my creative journey as a professionally trained dancer. I danced until I was 18 years old until I was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease. My life changed immensely after that, I was in and out of hospitals for the next couple of years, and I had to stop dancing all together. I had to find another creative outlet and started doodling to keep from going crazy in hospital beds. Once I finally received a kidney transplant from my mom, I had a second chance at life, and I hit the ground running, I decided to go to advertising school and move to Miami Beach. The following two years I fell involve with photography/design and realized advertising wasn’t my bag but was fortunate enough to have learned so many skills at Miami Ad School that allowed me to become a freelance graphic designer. Unfortunately, at the age of 24, My body rejected my transplant, and I was back to square one and back in dialysis. I was determined not to waste any more time nor let this set me back on my goals and life. During this time I met three amazing people who were coincidently looking for a graphic designer. They were working from home and in the beginning stages of building a creative company called HGAB. We became a team and decided to move to Wynwood April 2015, and the rest, as they say, is history. We converted a warehouse into our creative playground and made it accessible to other creatives so they could create at an affordable price. Its been five years and my days are filled with dialysis, running a creative workspace with my best friends, and creating art.
Please tell us about your art.
I’m a jack of all trades when it comes to creating. I create installations around the city, and for different events, I create artworks that I photograph/model and graphic design for my Instagram page. I also sew and create costumes for several artists in Miami. Although they are all different mediums, they all correlate to the message I try to share. The message that nothing should stop you from doing what you love, That your only limitations exist in your mind.
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
BUDGETING!!! As a creative, we can be scattered and unorganized when it comes to finance but valuing yourself, and your work is key, so always set aside money from other incomes to support your passions.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
People can see most of my artwork on my IG page @H3y_maa. They can also see some of my installation work at HGAB STUDIOS in Wynwood.
Contact Info:
- Address: 46 NW 36st Miami , Fl 33127
- Phone: 7866024399
- Email: mariana@hgabstudios.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/h3y_maa/?hl=en
Image Credit:
Yellow room photo taken by @Ashleynmckibben model : @genvenom
Profile photo by: @chasegcphotos
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