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

Alright, Diana thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Taking risks is far scarier than facing just one challenge. When everything seems to be working, when you’ve invested years in mastering strategies and mechanics, the prospect of scratching it all and venturing into a different industry is daunting. It requires complete faith – trusting your gut that things will unfold positively. But what if it’s too bold? What if you go too far? Is there a way to retrieve aspects that worked, to strike a balance between the old and the new, and to synthesize everything under one umbrella? Can you blend reality and imagination to manifest a world that has not yet existed?

The first time I took the plunge was when I left the safety of the gallery world. I was miserable in my role, with many responsibilities going against the grain. It took a year and a half and visits with a therapist to gather the strength to leap into the void, to embrace the unknown. Through baby steps, I grew my art school, making plenty of mistakes, feeling gullible, and lacking confidence. I invested and lost money, experimented with marketing and advertising gimmicks, and underwent training in business strategy and mindset adjustments that cost thousands of dollars. I don’t regret any of it because I survived and grew both personally and professionally with every misstep.

Dipping my toes into entrepreneurship made it easier for me to jump into another unknown industry, fashion, ten years later. The fear of not knowing how to secure vendors, understand garment production, and anticipate client responses was palpable. Even more cash slipped through my fingers in attempts to capture a slice of the market. Yet, the learning curve was worth it. And now, once again, I find myself on the threshold of something unfamiliar – a gallery that combines all my prior businesses: a school, a boutique, and a venue that promotes artists and events. Will I make mistakes? Definitely. Will I experiment and see where these attempts take me? Absolutely. Because the mix of what exists and what is yet to come to life is too addictive, too precious to witness.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My artistic journey started when I was just 13, navigating the move from Moldova to New Jersey. In the midst of those challenging teenage years, I stumbled upon a haven for self-expression in an art class. Fast forward, and I earned a BFA from Cornell University and an MS from Boston University, refining my unique free-flowing painting style along the way.

After graduation, I took the reins at DTR Modern Galleries before founding The Plein-Air Art Academy. The joy of fostering creativity led to a Best of Boston Award for kids’ art classes. Believing in the transformative power of art, I even penned a novel emphasizing its significance for our psyche.

In recent years, I’ve taken my passion further, delivering a TedX talk on using creativity to combat burnout, appearing on podcasts, writing a children’s book, and even launching a clothing line inspired by my art. Oh, and there was that unforgettable exhibition at the 2022 Venice Biennale.

Based in the Boston area, my artwork has found homes globally. I share my expertise in proprietary flow processes as a consultant for creative corporate workshops. Through my SPARK method, I’m on a mission to alleviate burnout, urging people of all ages to step out of their comfort zones and rediscover the beauty and fragility of our world.

Now, the exciting part – my own gallery! Nestled in Coolidge Corner, it’s not just a showcase for my art but a dynamic platform for diverse artists. Emphasizing female voices in sustainability, the gallery embodies my vision of a haven for artistic expression. We’re hosting a vibrant calendar of events – speaker series, workshops, and non-profit gatherings – inviting everyone to explore, engage, and be inspired by the rich tapestry of creativity we’re weaving. So, come on over and be part of the community at Diana Stelin’s gallery in the heart of Coolidge Corner!

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

There’s something truly magical about watching people reconnect with their inner child through art. Whether they’re crafting something with their hands or connecting with a piece, it’s a rare and beautiful experience. My heart melts when I see emotions unleashed, tears flowing before words can even catch up. Stepping out of our comfort zones is no small feat – for artists navigating audiences, diving into uncharted materials, or enthusiasts questioning their tastes.

So, what’s my mission? It’s all about carving out a space, a sanctuary where people can let their creativity run wild, without any constraints. The fear of making mistakes can be paralyzing, and what we all crave is a knowledgeable and compassionate guide. That’s where I come in – not just as an educator, art dealer, artist, and designer, but fundamentally as a fellow human.

I believe in baring my soul and sharing the nitty-gritty details of my journey – from the immigrant hustle to battling self-doubt as a multi-talented artist, and the messy rollercoaster of parenthood. It’s about creating an environment where others feel empowered to do the same. They walk in as strangers and leave as friends, strengthened in their abilities, proud to have taken a chance on themselves, and mastering diverse media on their own terms. It’s not just about art; it’s about building connections and fostering a sense of courage and creativity in each and every one of us.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Folks often struggle with my various creative sides. The tendency to slot everyone neatly into boxes leaves them perplexed and uneasy, given my penchant for embracing a multitude of directions. Similarly, the fear of confronting their own multifaceted selves, conditioned to fit societal expectations and limited roles, can be quite daunting. Witnessing people tap into the unbridled curiosity of their four-year-old selves during exploration is a beautiful sight, but it’s disheartening to see their inner critics awaken eventually.

Being a creative is an ongoing journey, an exploration of both the internal and external worlds. Everything is in constant flux, open to interpretation. In a world fixated on goals, embracing the process isn’t always easy. Of course, I have my career milestones – the dream of museums, recognition, press coverage, higher-priced pieces, and selling to corporate giants. But it’s equally about the present moment, about the immediate impact each creative encounter brings.

In a society conditioned to prioritize goals, it’s crucial to navigate the delicate balance of appreciating the journey while striving for those career peaks. The milestones are on the horizon, but the essence lies in relishing the ever-changing, ever-inspiring dance of creativity in the now.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dianastelin.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diana_stelin/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diana.stelin
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-stelin/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtyeUeGJG6OknfQk8o-ScNw