about.
STATEMENT:
I create endearing visual allegories. My work is for those who have magic in their hearts, feel the awe of nature, have faith in humanity and defend the endangered.
“If you want children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales” --Einstein
As a research-based artist, my work centers on the impact of human activity on the environment and biodiversity loss, with a specific focus on endangered species. Informed by scientific research, my artistic style draws inspiration from the psychology of animated films and the neurobiology of wonderment. My approach involves simplifying complex designs and using monochromatic color schemes to create stylized and figurative representations of my subjects. By incorporating transitional objects into my installations, I aim to create an immersive and playful experience that encourages discussion around the science of species and ecosystem health. Through my art, I hope to inspire wonder and a sense of curiosity about the world around us, promoting an appreciation for the unknown and the possibilities it holds.
The frequent use of found objects in my art practice, is a deliberate choice that aligns with my environmental themes. I am committed to minimizing my impact on the planet by avoiding the creation of unnecessary waste and avoiding contributing to consumerism. When I repurpose objects that already exist, I am reducing the demand for new resources and minimizing my contribution to the growing problem of waste accumulation.
BIOGRAPHY
Born: Clearfield, PA
Diane Arrieta was born and raised in Pennsylvania, where her upbringing in Oil City - a town with a rich history as a former Seneca Indian Village turned center for the petroleum industry - greatly influenced her beliefs and subsequently, her art practice. Arrieta's heritage as a Native American and descendant of European immigrant farmers from Czechoslovakia shaped her perspectives on nature and environmental stewardship from a young age.
Having obtained a BFA in ceramic sculpture and an MSc in Wildlife Health from the University of Edinburgh, Arrieta's artwork primarily explores the impact of human activity on endangered species and champions the role of women and children in society. Her work has been exhibited extensively across the United States and the United Kingdom, with notable showcases at prominent museums such as the Cornell Museum of Art, The NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, The Boca Raton Museum, and the Museum of Fine Art Tallahassee.
Arrieta has received numerous accolades, including the South Florida Cultural Consortium Fellowship Grant and the Hector Ubertalli Award for the Visual Arts. In addition to serving on public art committees and running a University exhibition program, she is also the founding Director of the International Humanities Project Curatorial Lab. Arrieta's main art studio is located in Palm Beach, FL, and she spends part of her summers at her studio in Yonkers, NY.
Education:
BFA Ceramic Sculpture Florida Atlantic University
MSc Wildlife Health University of Edinburgh, U.K.