We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Diamond Gemm. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Diamond below.

Diamond, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on as a Curator was one of the Art Exhibitions from the Art Lovers series entitled Black Butterflies. This exhibition showcased Artworks centered around healing practices passed through generations in Black communities and families. We spoke about various practices, activities, and connections that give us healing. We engaged in a breathwork session to introduce the audience to a helpful and healing practice. Our team also created a sacred space in the midst of all the energies to provide a moment for meditation, reflection, or pure presence. This experience was fulfilling, impactful, and long-awaited. I planned this Exhibition 3 years prior to its execution and applied restlessly for grants to no avail. Until I decided this experience was too valuable to be awaited any longer and I produced the vision myself with the help of my team Melanin Muse Art. This year I saw that vision of healing, of joy, of rejuvenation through the Arts come to life.

Diamond, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a natural-born Artist of many facets. Initially, as a youth, I was a writer and I began drawing by illustrating for my books. This developed into a love for both poetry and illustration. As an adult, I became a Professional Artist at the age of 21 and a Curator at the age of 23. My earlier Artworks were mainly Chalk Pastel and Ink. I began painting in 2014 and I have transitioned since to mainly Acrylic and Mixed Media Artworks. I also began body painting in 2015 after having face-painted since 2010 (age 16). I soon began getting booked for live painting, live body painting, and Murals. Eventually, I recognized the imbalance in the appreciation of Creative Talents in the events industry and wanted to do something about it. So, I began curating creative showcases, markets, and Exhibitions. I have since curated over 20 events, numerous Solo exhibitions for artists, 5 group exhibitions, a Body Art competition, and a Mural Competition. I now offer a wide variety of Creative Services including Art instruction, Murals, Live Painting, Event Coordination, Talent Booking, and Graphic Design work. I believe that I am a great visionary and have a knack for helping to bring a vision or experience to life. I am most proud of the many ways I have been able to create and connect with people, creatives, and clients in these past years and I look forward to the many more connections that will develop in my journey. I enjoy creating visuals, experiences, and environments where creativity can be explored, experienced, and appreciated.

Have you ever had to pivot?

After about a year of body painting I began to yearn for more appreciation in the Arts and as an Artist. I had built a team of 12 models, 3 photographers, and 2 videographers at the time and now had to lead them in a new direction. As we transitioned into curating events and creating a platform for creatives I learned many lessons and skills. I also learned that people’s directions can always change. I had to become accustomed to adaptation, flexibility, and resilience. Otherwise, my jorney would fall short. Over the years many people joined and parted from the team but the mission to provide a platform for the Appreciation of the Arts and Creatives has remained consistent. I have had to pivot in leadership, direction and mission over the years as it has continuously developed. I am grateful for the redirection because each times it brings me closer to what i feel s the purpose.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

One of my goals as a Curator is to highlight the various exquisite talents that our communities have to offer and to create an appreciation for their creativity. Art is everywhere but rarely is the impact noticed. Positive imagery, song lyrics and plots can survive long beyond the visual. The depiction of life’s beauty in different forms is something that is long-lasting and should be appreciated for all it is. The complexity, the meaning, the purpose. This goes for visual arts, music, and performing arts. The healing that can happen through creative expression or the experience of creative energy is powerful. I am honored to be a bridge in the experience.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.artbydgemm.com
• Instagram: @d.gemm