Meet Diane Arrieta | Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Diane Arrieta and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Diane, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I have been an artist as long as I can remember. The one thing that helped me decide to buckle down and be a serious full time artist was getting my master’s degree in Wildlife Health. I wanted to have some proficiency on the topic I address in my work. As a conservation biologist, my art practice centers on scientific research. The work engages in critical narratives surrounding the environment and shifting landscapes, together with female perspectives of the inequalities of society. The domination of women and the degradation of the environment are consequences of the patriarchy and capitalism.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a conservation biologist, my art practice centers on scientific research. The work engages in critical narratives surrounding the environment and shifting landscapes, together with female perspectives of the inequalities of society. The domination of women and the degradation of the environment are consequences of the patriarchy and capitalism.

I infuse natural materials with industrial and found objects as a deliberate choice that helps entrench human activity as the driver for the discourse of my work. Foraging for found objects helps reduce my environmental footprint by steering clear of generating needless waste, while also connecting me to the world around me.

Einstein said “If you want children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales”. I create endearing visual allegories that evoke wonder, the awe of nature and faith in humanity that defends the marginalized and endangered. The art is immersive, playful, and fosters curiosity, encouraging an appreciation for the possibilities it presents.

The work is very unique and it allows me to talk about it and come out of my hopelessly introverted state.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well seeing that most of my friends are creatives I would say lets do New York City and visit every contemporary venue in the city and maybe up the road to Dia Beacon. We would find every vegan, vegetarian farm to table food spots and discuss the works we saw and how our work should be in all those places and devise a plan of action!! We probably would catch a show on broadway. The last time I was there I had the privilege to see Billy Porter in Kinky Boots. AMAZING and I am not even one for musicals. I would force them all to go to the zoo. As a biologist and former zookeeper, it is a must for me. They would just have to deal!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have a small circle of creative friends that are my rock. I can rely on them to discuss ideas, hardships, accomplishments without feeling any competition or judgement. The book right now I read over and over again for little nuggets of wisdom is The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin. I credit the University of Edinburgh for accepting me into the master’s program. The was the single most confidence builder in my life. My family members and. my husband are also super supportive. This is a hard business and you need support.

Website: https://dianearrieta.wixsite.com/visualartist

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianearrieta_artist/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianearrieta/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dianearrietavisualartist/

Image Credits
all images Diane Arrieta Visual Artist