We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Diana Leviton Gondek . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Diana Leviton below.
Diana, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
My early years had a vital role to play in developing my creative side. Theatre was part of my educational curriculum in grade school as was music and fine art. Growing up in Evanston, IL I was close to Chicago. It allowed me to visit the best museums and see wonderful theatre, dance, and concerts.” In my youth, Pop Art had emerged as an art movement. It overwhelmed me and I adored it. I feel in youth, one didn’t over judge pop art, just enjoy the visual aspect of it. I was also influenced by The Renaissance, Impressionism, Expressionism and Surrealism..
Diana, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Majoring in Fine Arts to becoming an Art Director at Northwestern University, my early artistic path was only a hint of my evolving future. After Northwestern came a family, commission work and teaching Art Awareness in the Naperville school district. It wasn’t until a few years passed that I was asked to paint in oil. Specializing in watercolor in College, I jumped at the challenge and fell in love with oil. I started participating in exhibitions and had gallery represention. After a year at the gallery I decided to get my own studio/gallery at the Zhou B Art Center. With multiple solo and group exhibitions I started work on public art. Owned by Chicago’s Mayor Emanuel and other Chicago dignitaries. I also did a commission piece for Special Olympics. This painting is now in their Washington DC Headquarters. Owned by Tim Shriver. I have exhibited outside Illinois in Busan, Kora, London, New York and Art Basel for four years , I continue to push myself to reach new levels of artistic expression.
Is there a mission driving your creative journey?
My personal mission in art is to be true to myself. Not to try and please anyone with my style, technique or continue a series after I feel I have completed it.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Coming from being Art Director, I found I was always following the rules. I believe in a professional work ethic, but when it comes to my art it’s ok to break some rules.
Contact Info:
- Website: dianalevitongondek.com
- Instagram: diana_lg_art
- Facebook: Diana Leviton Gondek
- Linkedin: Diana Leviton Gondek
- Twitter: Diana Leviton Gondek
- Youtube: Diana Leviton Gondek