Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Benedetti.
Hi Diana, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am an artist and was born and raised in Cartagena, Colombia, a city of fables, history, and legends which have always influenced my style. I have always been intrigued by the nature of the human condition and this has helped me reflect in my mission in life as an artist. My style is magical realism, and I use nature, color, and objects as tools to express a message of faith, hope, and love.
As a full-time artist, I have worked professionally for more than 30 years. I studied painting in Beaux Arts School in Colombia as a teenager and studied Fine Arts in Georgia State University, Miami Dade College, and University of Miami. In UM, I also attended Art History courses which have helped expand my understanding of art and its influence in the history of humanity. My life as a woman, a mother, and a wife have also been a fountain of inspiration for my artwork.
My artwork is full of bright colors and textures that enrich the content and message of my style. I use oils because it is a very noble medium. I love its brightness and smooth consistency, which lets 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 hope to spark emotions in the viewer and maybe change hearts to help improve the world in which we live in.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I believe a life that has obstacles and challenges is always a life worth living. Challenges are opportunities to learn and be better, not only as an artist. When things are smooth, they are never good. Some people would say that having a family makes things difficult for your career. For me, having a family has enriched not only my work, as my family has been a fountain of wisdom and inspiration but also a support system in my career.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an oil painter. I specialize in realism, but I use it to tell a story. I want to make the viewer think, feel and question himself and society. I like to trick the eye by trying to make the viewer think that those objects are really there, popping out from the painting. I am most proud when I see the confusion on those looking at the painting, when they scratch a tape trying to take off, realizing that it is not really there, and then feeling joyful and hopeful when they understand the meaning of my work. That is what I think sets me apart from other artists, as I see too many trying to make a mere decoration piece or using their work as a meaningless and dark protest instead of using their talents to make this a better place to live.
What are your plans for the future?
Keep enjoying painting for as long as I can!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dianabenedetti.com
- Instagram: @dianabenedettiart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dianabenedettiartist
