Dianna Mammone

Artist Statement

Originally from Michigan but also with roots in the deep South, Ms. Mammone has resided in  northern New Jersey for more than 30 years.  After attending the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit ,Michigan, she began her early career as  a Window and Mannequin Dresser for Hudson's Stores and also worked as a Graphic Designer and Illustrator for 20 years.

Upon relocating to New Jersey Ms. Mammone established her Art & Soul Studio, an umbrella for her creative pursuits. While working as a designer/illustrator, she developed a love for pottery.
 
In the early 1990's, seeking new challenges and semi-retired from her work in clay, Dianna has decided to focus more on painting, drawing and mixed-media.

Dianna's belief that art can be a force for good, not only for it's own sake, but for the sake of others has led to her current charitable involvement with Artists for World Peace and for over 25 years, the Empty Bowl Project.

A constant throughout Ms. Mammone's entire career has been a commitment to teaching and education. Whether in pre-schools, churches, summer programs,  community classes or private lessons at her studio she has always sought to show the power and awe of the creative arts.

Biography

I am originally from Michigan but with deep roots in the South. I have lived in NJ for over 30 years, working as a mannequin dresser, graphic designer/illustrator and art teacher.
My work is inspired by the genre of Magical Realism which is a style of literary fiction and art. It paints a realistic view of the world while also adding magical elements. I love beetles and bugs, things that swim and slither, things large and microscopic, subjects real and imagined.

The goal of my brightly colored unique artwork is to offer a different way of looking at everyday life. With my unique style of line, color, and imagination, I hope to get others to pause and think. Maybe to chuckle or to consider the question, "have you ever seen anything quite like this?"

My process is easy.
Something catches my eye or imagination, maybe a doodle from my daily sketches, maybe a memory or a dream or idea. I pull it forward into my consciousness as I reach for paper and pencil. If whimsy comes, I welcome it! I start sketching. The art teacher in me cautions to "keep lines light until they're right." The lines become shapes, next is color; either colored pencil, marker or paint or fabric and stitches. I continue to work adding, examining, altering until my senses feel what I seek in my minds eye. Intuitively when I feel it's right, a sly smile sneaks across my face. Art is magic. Isn't life amazing?

Exhibition History (CV)