EIP: Can you share how your identity as a first-generation Jamaican-American has shaped your sense of self and your artwork?
DIANA: Though it’s not always at the forefront of my mind when I’m creating, my Jamaican-American identity does influence my work in subtle yet meaningful ways. For example, I often gravitate toward bold and primary colors, which I believe carry significant cultural meanings. Take the Jamaican flag, for instance—its colors symbolize strength, resilience, and unity. Growing up in a culture that values resourcefulness, I learned that creativity doesn’t require wealth or abundant materials. It’s about making something valuable from what you have. In that sense, my heritage has taught me to create meaning, not just objects.
EIP: Growing up, what were some defining moments that influenced how you embrace and express your identity as an artist?
DIANA: It’s difficult to pinpoint just one defining moment, but music and color were constants in my life. My drive to create has always been there, and I’ve often seen painting, writing, and journaling as forms of therapy—ways to escape or understand my surroundings. My family, particularly my dad’s love of music, played a big role in shaping my creative rhythm. People often comment on the rhythm in my writing, and it’s something that carries over into all my work. Over the years, I’ve had moments of realization, but it wasn’t until later that I fully understood how deeply these influences shaped my artistic voice.
EIP: What came first, the poetry or the paintings?
DIANA: Poetry came first. As a child, I was full of words but also quite timid, so writing became my comfort—my way of speaking without having to use my voice. Painting came later but quickly became another outlet for processing emotions like grief, joy, and pain. Both art forms allow me to express the inexpressible, but I’ve found that combining painting with poetry amplifies the emotional depth and impact of both. The two disciplines feed off each other, enriching the way I communicate.
EIP: If you could create a legacy for yourself as a painter, what would that look like?
DIANA: I’d like to create a foundation—something akin to a support network for low-income artists who don’t have access to resources. It’s a dream of mine to give back to the artistic community, especially because I’ve often felt the absence of such support in my own journey. I’m passionate about large- scale installations and public art—projects that make art accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford to visit galleries. I’ve already worked on a few public installations, but I’d love to expand this side of my practice, especially through collaborative projects that bring together diverse voices and perspectives. Whether through poetry or painting, I hope my legacy is one that nurtures others and makes art more inclusive and far-reaching. •
