This Halifax artist captures the vibrancy and spirit of the great outdoors
Diana Brown’s work reflects self-expression, belonging and heritage
Diana explains her inspiration
This masthead is inspired by the duality of the winter season, when the days still seem to get colder yet the sunlight shines longer. In this painting, we find both stillness and movement, inner reflection and outwards action, and darkness that melts into light, all set along iconic Nova Scotia shorelines.
This piece is an invitation to connect — with yourself, with others, the natural world around us — and it is a reminder that even in the solitude of winter, there are seeds beneath us waiting to grow and another sunrise on the horizon.
Get to know Diana
What do you enjoy most about living on the East Coast?
Always being close to the ocean or a lake, the wild beauty of the coastline, and the way of life. The music and art is vibrant and accessible, and I've created such meaningful connections in different communities. It's home, in so many different ways.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Creating the life I want to live. Since everything I've done has brought me to this moment, I try to remember to celebrate and be present with each achievement, no matter the size. A pebble thrown into water still creates a ripple.
What is your motto?
When I'm hesitating with something and fear or doubt is taking over, I remind myself that, 'I didn't come this far to only come this far.'
What is your favourite wintertime/summertime activity on the East Coast?
If the sun is in the sky, I want to be outside! I've always loved swimming, hiking and kayaking in the summer, and I used to struggle with finding things to love about winter. So in 2017, I challenged myself and swam in 52 different lakes in 52 weeks.I can now say I love swimming and hiking throughout the entire year. (I'm not quite set up for winter kayaking yet.)
At my work, the MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning, a community youth art centre. Young artists are brilliant — they see and transform the world in such different ways than I do. It is endlessly inspiring to see what they create, and I learn so much from them as they work through their process.
Being unapologetically myself, and approaching challenges with tenacity. You'd also recognize me by my curly hair, always wearing sunglasses on the top of my head, my Cape Breton ring and shell necklace — and I've been told you can see my smile from down the street.
What advice would you give your future self?
Never let fear be louder than your dreams.
Instagram: @dianabrownart
Website: dianabrownart.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
