Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Stelin

Hi Diana, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?

I immigrated from Moldova to the United States at 13. Art became my refuge during a time of severe bullying, offering a much-needed solace. Over the years, I’ve delved into the effects of art on the human psyche, which has led me to write a novel on the topic and present a TEDx talk titled “Creativity as an Antidote to Burnout.” Art has been a transformative force in my life, and I’ve channeled this passion into facilitating hundreds of award-winning workshops for both kids and adults, spanning from individual sessions to programs within corporations and schools.

Recently, I launched a gallery and teaching space that has quickly become a vibrant community hub—a unique blend of creativity and connection. In 2020, I also started a sustainable fashion brand, with garments produced in my home country of Moldova. This venture has caught the attention of publications like Elle, MSN, Goji Magazine, and Style Weekly, further expanding my mission to make art and creativity accessible to all.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

The road has been anything but smooth. I’ve explored numerous initiatives—some have thrived, while others needed to be let go. Being a serial entrepreneur is a constant balancing act; some aspects of the business outperform expectations, while others don’t scale as planned. I managed someone else’s art gallery for eight years, but after having my second child, I took a step back to reassess my priorities.

There are many days when I question whether my eponymous gallery or the boutique are worth the effort. But then, something always happens to remind me why I’m on this path. I’m shown that my purpose is to bring joy to people in diverse ways. It’s incredible to see how different aspects of my creativity resonate with others and how much I can accomplish by meeting people where they are.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

I developed a unique and recognizable style early on—a blend of textured oils, palette knife techniques, wax, and gold leaf. I focus exclusively on landscapes, where parts of the painting are melted with a heating lamp. This approach symbolizes the interconnectedness of everything, as the sky seeps into the trees, and the trunks reach for the heavens. Even my cityscapes have melting spires and dancing windows, giving us a sense that we’re part of something bigger.

What I’m most proud of is taking a leap exactly a year ago to open a brick-and-mortar shop with public-facing windows. Seeing people drawn in by the art, coming inside, and purchasing pieces has been incredible. It’s been amazing to sell not just my own work but also pieces by artists I admire, fostering connections with new collectors.

What sets me apart is not only my distinctive style but also my passion for teaching art to both kids and adults. I want the next generation to understand how crucial art is for our development and appreciation of life. My programs are gaining recognition through various awards, highlighting their impact. In my gallery, I make it a point to showcase female artists whose work also comments on the fragility of our Earth.

How do you think about happiness?

Being in the great outdoors makes me happy, especially when I can sit quietly and melt into my surroundings with watercolor painting. I have a soft spot for little towns that seem to blend seamlessly into the landscape. I love the feeling of the wind in my hair and the sound of birds creating their own symphonies around me. Watching kids experiment and tap into their creativity brings me so much joy. I’m happiest when the day unfolds into spontaneous outings, when I cook a great meal from scratch, or when we gather for a family movie and share a good laugh. I also find deep happiness in having profound conversations, whether one-on-one or in a small group of like-minded souls.

Pricing:

• $500 for watercolors
• $2500+ for commissioned paintings
• $200+ for monthly class trials
• $200+ for limited edition boutique pieces

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dianastelin.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diana_stelin/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diana.stelin
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dianastelin2091
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/plein-air-art-academy-brookline