What is the best thing that I love about my work?
I love that I don’t have to separate an inner self from a professional, that I can indulge in my most genuine self for my work.
What is my idea of perfect happiness?
I don’t really believe in a perfect happiness, it doesn’t allow room for aspirations, hope or excitement. My best times have been the days where I’m euphorically inspired. That kind of inspiration that has a balance of joy and sadness is the most fulfilling.
What is my greatest fear?
I would fear to lose inspiration as I grow old.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?
Something that often holds me back is my perfectionism and extremism. This is true in my daily life as well as in painting, They often hinder my work in that if a painting or drawing isn’t progressing how I like, I tend to destroy and begin again until I feel I am where I want to be.
Which living persons in my profession do I most admire?
Of the academic painters today I really admire Colleen Barry, Romel De La Torre, Amaya Gurpide and Jordan Sokol. I really admire their technique and draftsmanship.
What is my greatest extravagance?
If I have any extravagance, I would say it’s clothing. Since I was a kid I’ve loved street fashion from Japan, and I occasionally splurge on dresses.
On what occasion would I lie?
I would lie on the occasions that the truth is hurtful.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?
As I said earlier, I’m a big perfectionist, I always have the highest expectations, I start over until I’m satisfied with the process. However, recently I’ve been learning to work through the issues and progress more smoothly.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work?
I’m very happy right now with my work, I’ve been achieving many goals of mine and am currently working on a self portrait that I’m excited about. All of this makes me feel excited to go work in the studio every day.
If I could, what would I change about myself?
I tend to lose motivation and inspiration sometimes. When I’m happy and inspired, I have the energy & disposition to try to accomplish what I set out for. What I would change is to not let myself lose motivation so often.
What is my greatest achievement in my work?
At this point, I would say that setting up my studio, selling work and receiving commissions as well as working on projects that I’m happy and inspired with are all things I feel very accomplished about.
Where would I most like to live?
If it were possible, I’d like to live somewhere where I am close to my family, my boyfriend and my close friends. They are scattered around the world right now.
What is my most treasured possession?
My palette from Zecchi is something I’ve become very attached to. It’s a memory of my student days in Florence and has been with me throughout my painting journey so far.
What is my most marked characteristic?
I would like to say that I am very dedicated to what I commit myself to. Once I find something that I feel strongly enough about, I will put all of my efforts into accomplishing this.
What is my most inspirational location, in my city?
The San Miniato cemetery in Florence is my favorite and most inspiring place. It’s full of amazing funerary sculpture and mausoleums. I spent so many magical afternoons sketching here.
What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city?
Pizza Man and Giumella are my absolute favorites in Florence.
What books influenced my life and how?
A Zen Buddhism book I picked up when I was in high school called ‘HC Zen”, It’s not something I would read again, but back then it opened the door to my interest in meditation and Zen.
Who are my favorite writers?
Oscar Wilde, Edgar Allan Poe, Charles Baudelaire
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?
Malice Mizer and A.F.I.!, music that has inspired me since I was little and has formed me and continued to inspire me into adulthood.
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?
Alice has always been close to my heart.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?
Those who have influenced me, inspired and helped shape me throughout the years.
Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime?
The Hours based on the book by Michael Cunningham.
What role plays art in my life and work?
I’m constantly attempting to make artwork or am inspired by artwork, so it’s a constant factor in my life. Painting is a process that can be very meditative and self exploring during the best moments, I think this affects my daily life as well.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?
My sister and my boyfriend both.
Whom would I like to work with in 2018?
Again, my sister. I’d love to have her sit for a painting, although she’s so far away right now, I hope I convince her to sit for me this year.
Which people in my profession would I love to meet in 2018?
I would love to have the opportunity to learn from Colleen Barry or any of the artists I mentioned earlier. If he were alive today, I would love to meet Antonio Mancini, my favorite painter. His technique and sense of expression are married in such a beautiful harmony, it is something I very much aspire to. Also, I would think that a conversation with Rossetti, Millais or another one of the Pre-Raphaelites would be exciting.
What project, in 2018, am I looking forward to work on?
I’m currently setting up 3 projects in the studio- two commissions and a self-portrait. I’m enjoying all of them but I’m very excited about the self portrait because it’s a personal project and I have more creative liberty.
Where can you see me or my work in 2018?
At the moment I am working in my studio alongside my boyfriend in Novi Sad, Serbia.
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?
I would say that there should be a difference between a job and a passion. A true passion is forever present in one’s life, whether it is necessary to work any longer or not.
Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story?
My good friend and painter Isi Garmon!
How can you contact me
Dianapriscila.com
Instagram: @dianapriscila
The Heroine's Journey 