We were lucky to catch up with Diane Crites recently and have shared our conversation below.

Diane, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I embarked on my artistic journey three times before finally committing to it. Initially, I enrolled as a Fine Arts Major at Miami University (Ohio). My Mom and high school art teachers consistently urged me to embrace my talent. After just two weeks, I switched my major to something more “practical” yet still creative—Marketing. I often felt torn between the School of Business and the Fine Arts building.

The second pivotal moment came when I studied abroad at the Lorenzo de Medici Art Institute in Florence, Italy, where I exclusively took painting and drawing classes. My Italian drawing professor, along with my professors at Miami continued to recognize my abilities and encouraged me to pursue my passion. Despite their unwavering support, I still hesitated. I moved to New York City after college, landing my first job as a magazine advertising sales assistant while interning at a gallery in Chelsea for no pay. The high cost of living in NYC forced me to take a more practical route again, leading me to an esteemed sales program at a leading tech company in Boston.

I worked at that tech firm until the birth of our first daughter, Emma. It was then, with the support of my husband Eric that I finally embraced my artistic journey. Looking back, I have no regrets. My Marketing degree and sales skills have proven invaluable in the art world, enabling me to navigate and thrive in a competitive field. I am deeply grateful for the team of supporters who saw my potential, believed in me when I took my talent for granted, and helped guide me.

Diane, 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?

My name is Diane Crites and I am a fine art artist based in the vibrant western suburbs of Chicago. My creative journey encompasses painting, drawing, and photography, allowing me to explore my passion as a multidisciplinary artist. I thrive on challenges, whether I’m immersing myself in abstract work to free my mind or diving into detailed realism. Currently, I’m working on two series- first, my abstract garden series draws inspiration from our family’s lavender garden and our garden from seed. I love how gardening mimics the ups and downs of life and is constantly changing. And second, my “Everyday Is a Holiday” series where I explore families gathering around the dinner table. When I’m not making art, I have the privilege of being a wife and Mom of two amazing kids. My family inspires me more than they know!

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I firmly believe that you are only as strong as the team you surround yourself with. This lesson became evident during my first job in tech sales: attempting to do everything on your own limits your potential for success. I owe much of my artistic journey to my incredible support network. I wouldn’t be the artist I am today without my supportive family, talented canvas maker Joel Fromer, Gemini Builds It for framing and installation, my gallerists, especially Cathy at Virgil Catherine Gallery, as well as the interior designers like Amelia Eaton at Anecdote, creative friends like art curator Hope Lloyd Brown and fellow artists, friends and family who inspire and uplift me. I also rely on continuous education, like classes at the Palette and Chisel or local workshops to keep my skills up. This all enriches my work, and I value my team more than words can express.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I find the greatest satisfaction seeing my artwork installed in creatively driven, purposeful spaces where it truly resonates. Hearing how much joy my art brings to my clients is incredibly fulfilling and inspires me to keep creating.

Additionally, I treasure the moments when my mom and I collaborate on projects together—she helps inspire me to make more art.

Finally, I absolutely love being a part of and attending art shows, where I can immerse myself in the creative expressions of others—it fills me with joy to witness the diverse talents and stories shared with the world. We are prepping for a show in March at Virgil Catherine Gallery right now with an incredible group of artists.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dianecrites.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianecritesart/

Image Credits

Maria Ponce Photography
Aimee Mazzenga