We recently had the chance to connect with Diane Gatterdam and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Diane, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Have you ever been glad you didn’t act fast?
No not really. Your first response is usually the correct one. My first creative thought is 9 out of ten times the one that is the one that becomes the strongest work.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a creative working in Store Design / Visual Merchandising for my career. Right now I am focused on my art, both street art and fine art. My street artist name is @INDIVIDUALACTIVIST. The name came from the theme of my work on the streets that is very activist driven. I have covered causes like Black Lives Matter, Ukraine, Women’s Rights, and the school shootings here in the US.
Last year I had my first solo show with my “21 Faces” highlighting 21 diverse children’s faces to bring attention to this issue.
My new project is called “Face To Face” where I am collaborating with 40 of the top street artists here in NYC. I am painting half a face and handing off the canvas to them to paint the other half. Illustrating how much we are stronger together then we are separate.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My art teacher in high school who saw through my primitive sketches and saw something that I did not. From that encouragement I was able to get up the courage to start to think that I could create.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering and failing at something is really in my mind the only way we both learn and get stronger. When you create something that is not great, being able to confront it as not great and take that challenge to make it so much better. When you practice that skill things come much easier and work you can be proud of.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
I do not go along with the crowd or herd just to please others. I believe in fighting for what you know is right and then proving it with your work. If you have seen a vision stick with it, but before you start make sure you are confident that whats in your head will work.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If immortality were real, what would you build?
Lasting and true relationships forever.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://individualactivist.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/individualactivist/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diane-gatterdam-57905b6/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
