Inside the Studio

Diana Delgado in 'Wild Kin'

A corner of Diana Delgado's studio in strong directional sunlight with paintings leaning on the wall, installed on the wall, and laying on the floor.

Hidden within Diana's expressive abstract paintings are references to her children's stuffed animals, the soft curves of their bodies echoing the shape of a hug and representing the safety and healing in being held. Her paintings are intimate excavations of childhood, an opportunity to reflect on that finite time of simplicity and innocence in her own life, while also channeling that of her children. Through this dialogue between past and present, self and family, Diana captures the enduring intimacy of care and attachment, embedded within her intuitive and dynamic brushwork. Explore more here.

An abstract Diana Delgado painting leaning on two paint cans in her studio.
Diana Delgado with a hand against her painting on the wall of her studio in strong directional sunlight.
Paint and supplies on the floor of Diana Delgado's studio.
Abstract paintings on the wall in Diana Delgado's studio.

As a parent, childhood is often at the front of my mind. I have been inviting these thoughts into my painting for a while. These conversations through the act of painting - the back and forth of mark making that is covered and found again - are as much about the new and discovery and growth as they are a reinvestigating of my thoughts and feelings from my own childhood. It is a unique, finite time of simplicity and innocence.

Diana Delgado

Paintings on the floor in Diana Delgado's studio.
A corner of Diana Delgado's studio with paintings on the wall and paint and supplies covering the floor.
The floor of Diana Delgado's studio with buckets of paint brushes, paints, and other supplies.
A corner of Diana Delgado's studio with paintings on the wall and paint and other supplies on the floor.

In this series, I’m thinking of my children's favorite stuffed animals as sacred healers, with a focus on hugging and holding. There is magic in embracing someone or something, and the affection children give to their treasured toys.

Diana Delgado

Diana Delgado leaning over and arranging paintings leaned against the wall of her studio.
Diana Delgado working on a painting hung on the wall in her studio, surrounded by paints and supplies.
A close-up of a painting in Diana Delgado's studio in bright sun and shadow from the window frame.
Diana Delgado kneeling in front of her paintings on the wall and the floor of her studio.

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