We recently connected with Erinn Diekman and have shared our conversation below.
Erinn, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
That’s an ongoing struggle. It’s still something that challenges me. But, I have learned to quiet my inner critic. I know I am a work in progress, and so is my art. I’ve also realized that the main reason I create art is because I love the process. I love being in the flow state. I love to create. And so my art comes from that place, that feeling of joy and contentment. If it ends up being art that others like and can relate to, then that’s a bonus.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I have been working with glass for 20 years. I started with stained glass and after a couple of years got introduced to fusible glass. Simply put, glass fusing is the process of melting glass in a kiln. I was immediately hooked. It’s such a fun, flexible medium with endless possibilities. Fusible glass allows me to be impulsive at times, with simpler projects. And other times, I can create much more planned out projects, such as my fused and painted windows. Those pieces involve many well planned phases and stages and each one I completely enjoy.
Glass fusing is a very exciting and interesting medium to teach to others. I love introducing folks to glass fusing. It’s truly unlike any other medium. I’ve learned that so many adults falsely believe they are not artistic or creative. That breaks my heart because I know each one of us is an artist but as we grow up we distance ourselves from enjoying the creative process. Often times it’s just a matter of finding the right medium for the individual.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Well, I’m half Irish, half German so naturally I’m stubborn. I have always been happiest when creating art.
I graduated from college with a degree in Fine Art and Art Education. After a year of working in an elementary school, I knew I was not getting enough studio time for myself. I knew that in order to be happy I had to create more art. So, I took whatever art related job I could find at the time. I was lucky to get hired at a stained glass studio based on my art background.
Being able to create freely is so important for my inner being. I learned that early on and that has been a huge part of the road I have taken. I also am able to teach, which I completely enjoy.
For those starting out I’d say, keep your eye on the prize, stay true to yourself and do what you enjoy.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I’d love to work with interior decorators who are seeking colorful art. I also would love to connect with metal and wood artists because I have ideas for garden type sculptures as well as indoor projects.
My contact information can be found at ErinnDiekman.com. Also, I’m on Facebook and Instagram as Erinn Diekman Art
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ErinnDiekman.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinndiekmanart?igsh=MWltOG9yZWpndDNtcw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erinndiekmanart?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Erinn Diekman
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