Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Diener.
Hi Erin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I am a Tennessee native, born and raised in Knoxville. I was interested in art from as early an age as I can remember. I have always considered myself a creative junkie- chasing that high that you can only get through creative expression.
I took art classes, I took ballet classes, and attended concerts- whatever I could think of to fill the need. Once graduating, I attended the University of Tennessee as a studio art major, which was in my mind the next step in further pursuing my passion. Fast forward 10 years, and I was a mom of two, barre instructor, and corporate trainer- but very much lacking something in my life.
When the pandemic began, I decided it was time to make some major changes in my life which included leaving an abusive relationship, and pursuing a career as a full-time artist. Months later, I left Knoxville, moved to Nashville- and am now living my dream as a full-time artist.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
To be honest, the road to becoming an artist has been anything but smooth. While there has never been any doubt in my mind that I was born to be an artist, it always seemed as if I was never able to get my life circumstances to line up with my passion.
The turning point for me came when I finally, after many years, made the decision to remove myself and my children from an abusive living situation. When you are told for years that you are not good enough, or are never going to be allowed to pursue your dreams- you begin to believe those things are true.
I began my life as a single mom, I immersed myself in my art, really focused on my craft, and started the journey to heal years of trauma. It was around this time that I met my now husband, and he changed my life in so many ways. He believed in me, gave me opportunities that I had never been given, and encouraged me to pursue art as my full-time career.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I pretty much dabble in and love anything where I am able to be creative, but my heart is in painting. I am an intuitive painter- meaning there’s not a lot of planning or sketching that precedes my work, I paint what I am feeling and/or thinking at that specific moment.
I do a lot of commission work painting various subject matter such as portraits, animals, cityscapes, and landscapes- but I specialize in the abstract. I believe what sets me apart from other artists, is my use of contradictory color schemes, extreme attention to composition, and use of many different mediums to add unique texture to all my pieces.
I’m proud of my endurance as an artist. It is not an easy field to be in, and there are many times when it would have been easier to give up and go back to a “more stable” career- but here I am, still in it!
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Believe it or not, the Covid-19 crisis was actually a really good time for my personal and professional development. Being stuck at home a lot more, forced me to really focus on myself and healing.
It gave me an opportunity to really hone in on my painting skills, and it was when I created and built up my clientele- which was mostly through social media and word of mouth.
Contact Info:
- Website: erindiener.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/indiejamesart
- Facebook: Facebook.com/indiejamesart
