Diane Vera-Ureno
Through art, we discuss and analyze visual problems, perform, use the body kinetically and tactilely, interact with other people, as well as have internal dialogue. These concepts are important to me and play a major part in my process when I work. Process is everything. When I get into my visual work, I like to play. My best work comes out when I have bits and pieces of images that I can manipulate and put together. I usually have a very loose plan when I start out in the studio. When I do have a set plan, it is often quite vague and it always lends itself to transformation. The concept seems to not be known at first until it works its way to the surface when it is revealed upon completion. It takes several stages of experimentation, modifications, mistakes, and directional turns that lead to the final stage. For me, I have discovered the most depth and growth in my work is all in the process. There is a hidden attractiveness in things, not just an aesthetic beauty, but also a beauty of contemplation and process. The aesthetic comes from pure mark making and kinetic involvement of creating the form. Through investigation and discovering a pull to community and social artwork, I vacillate between pure mark making and the discovery of stories. How does one become who they are? How do you tell their story through mark making? How does growing up on the border affect these thought processes? These are questions I seek to answer in my work through printmaking, ceramics and painting.
