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Arts in Milwaukee

A Public Service Of Milwaukee Artist Resource Network

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  • “Lakeshore Sky”Lakeshore Sky

    Mixed Media, 20" x 16

  • “Spirit Animal”Spirit Animal

    Mixed Media, 23" x 18" x 7"

  • “Tao”Tao

    Acrylics, 36" x 24"

  • “Distant Hills”Distant Hills

    Acrylics, 36" x 24"

  • “Metamorphosis”Metamorphosis

    Mixed Media, 14" x 11"

  • “First Light”First Light

    Acrylics, 36" x 24"

  • “Eclipse”Eclipse

    Mixed Media, 14" x 11"

  • “Last Light”Last Light

    Acrylics, 36" x 24"

  • “Chicago Sky II”Chicago Sky II

    Oil pastel/collage, 14" x 11"

  • “Two Moons”Two Moons

    Acrylics, 24" x 18"

Diane Zeni

  • Art
I am an Art Professional

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Contact Info
wakingdreamsstudio.com

artist statement

Once upon a time I was a dancer. Now I make art. The story of my life is the basis for what I am creating today. It’s my autobiography, plain and simple. I’m inspired by nature, but more than anything else, my background in dance informs my artwork. For me, painting is simply choreography on canvas and if I can get a sense of movement or stillness into my work, I’m happy. A blank canvas represents hope mixed with a little fear—it’s a metaphor for my life!
I believe that art is communication—one person’s way of seeing, or thinking, or feeling brought into the world in a singular form. How (or if) the communication is received is unpredictable, but I know magic can happen in that space where your story and mine intersect.
For my collages, I use torn paper to construct and solve a puzzle at the same time, using images and words that have meaning for me. Oil pastels provide missing pieces, vibrant color, cohesion, definition or obscurity. I tend to make things from objects that come my way by chance and I often include something personal in my work—part of a grandchild’s drawing or words from a daughter’s poem, for example.
I’m intrigued by maps, the sky, stars, planets and moons, water and fire. I love doors, windows and bridges and the discovery of what may be hidden that can be seen if you look a little closer. Some of my collages are narratives meant to begin a story that the viewer may complete. My landscapes are all imaginary; a blend of real places I’ve seen with some I’ve only dreamed.
In 2014, my intention was to focus on making art. Since then, my work has been shown in Milwaukee at the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum, Walkers Point Center for the Arts, St. John’s on the Lake, Alverno College, Redline Milwaukee, the Art Bar, and the Hotel Metro, as well as the Anderson Arts Center in Kenosha, the Cedarburg Art Museum and the Museum of Wisconsin Art in West Bend.
Recently, I’ve been adding alcohol inks into my collages and painting with acrylics in an effort to work on a larger scale. Although mostly self-taught, I studied oil painting and pastels at Connecticut College in New London, where I received a B.A. in Dance. I am a member of the League of Milwaukee Artists, the Wisconsin Visual Artists, and the Milwaukee Artists Resource Network. I can be reached at my website, www.wakingdreamsstudio.com or at my facebook page, Diane Zeni, Waking Dreams Studio.


proficiencies