We recently had the chance to connect with Claudine Diamond and have shared our conversation below.
Claudine, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
There is the seen and then there is the ripple effect that is for the most part unseen. In 2023 I started throwing “Call to Artists” parties. The first party involved me asking a few artist friends to my house and inviting them to paint on one large canvas together. Four artists participated at the first party. The art that was created was alive, vibrant and something that none of us would have created on our own. Needless to say I was planning the next party before this one was over and planning an exhibition once we finished enough pieces to do so. We have been getting together at each other’s studios and on occasion out in public at least once a month since then to create art together. New artists have joined us along with non-artists. We have had one show and will probably have another. The ripple effects that came from this, just to name a few, are that artist have gotten together to collaborate with each other separate from the group, people have started family traditions of painting together, and an artist couple who never really enjoyed painting together before are now creating a collection with each other. I know that the ripples extend out past these few observed instances. I am thrilled to have played a small roll in the ripples seen and unseen that extend out from his group.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I create art that uplifts the spirit, calms the mind and takes the viewer on a journey they never knew that wanted to go on. Most of my art is created intuitively. I create backgrounds first. Sometimes they are abstract and sometime I will place and animal, mythical creature, or people in the piece. I work with mixed media because I like all of the art supplies. I like working on paper with water sociable products. I also like printing papers on a gel plate and creating abstract collage pieces on wood or canvas. I live art. This is why I exiled my living room to a small extra bedroom and replaced it with my art studio. On the weekends that I am not selling my art, you can find me and usually one or more of my friends creating in my studio.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Unfortunately it took an abusive relationship to shape how I see myself. I have always been a confident individual and I have always thought that I loved myself because of this. It took an unhealthy relationship to show me that I tend to abandon myself. I then realized that there is a lot more to loving yourself. One of those thing is to put yourself first. Men and women, but especially women are taught to put others first in most all situations. This doesn’t really make sense because you cannot fill anyone else’s cup from an empty pitcher.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Oh most definitely! I am a self taught artist so when I first started painting, I was just copying things from reference photos to see how well I could represent the image. I had no knowledge of composition, color theory, artistic language, etc. I decided that I wanted to paint abstractly but when I sat down to do so, I found myself frozen and unable to come up with anything. I was so discouraged that I stopped painting all together for quite a while. I credit all the amazing artists on YouTube with my return to art. I also credit the a friend of mine who commissioned me to create 5 paintings that year for different members of her family for Christmas. It is nice to have people who believe in your abilities.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely. What you see is what you get.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I would like the thought of me to bring a smile to someone’s face and hopefully chuckle or two. I would like to be remembered as a true art geek.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blue_lotus_visions/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueLotusVisions/
Image Credits
Just me
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
