Artist Profile Series: Diane Rusin Doran

Diane Rusin Doran

Glenelg, Maryland

www.dianedoran.com  

1. What is sitting on the edges of your work table? Needles, pins, thread, and scissors.

2. If someone looked beneath the surface, what could be revealed that we might not know about you? I have so many ideas for art I'd like to make that it's difficult to complete any. Having a specific goal, such as the d@8 deadline, is essential for me to really finish a piece. I have countless digital collages just waiting to be printed, as well as numerous ideas for other artwork I'd love to work on.

3. What occupies the space between your sewing machine and your cutting table? Rolls of fabric, a serger, and lots of notions.

4. What is the most exquisite moment in your artistic life? This is a hard one, but I guess I'd have to say making my second instructional DVD with Interweave, "Digital Surface Design: Simple Techniques for Hand-Dyed Fabric Effects and More". It was filmed during a very challenging time in my life, and I was so excited to be able to share those techniques, as well as proud of myself for pulling it all together under difficult circumstances.

5. Do you have daily rituals in your studio? Sadly, no. I'm so busy working as an engineer that I don't have a daily studio practice.

6. Reflecting on the quilts that you have made, which one stands out to you? If I limit this question to my d@8 quilts I would say "Blossoming". I love everything about it, and it was a joy to make. If I include all my quilts I feel that "Return of the Grackle" is my strongest piece.

7. What do you have an affinity for in your work? Color!!!

8. What kinds of patterns do you use in your work to create interest and texture? Patterns derived from nature are very appealing to me. In the last few years I've simplified my quilting designs in an effort to streamline my process and direct more focus on the printed designs I've created.

9. What personal iconography is identifiable to you exclusively in your work? My use of color, layers, and transparency.

10. What was your inspiration for the Best of Dinner at Eight? I was inspired by all of the themes, and wanted a piece that represented several of them at once. My affinity for natural elements, the exquisite feeling of peace I feel when I'm outdoors, and the pattern of leaves all came together in this piece.