Diane Arthur

Art As Spirit, Spirit As Art. If my artwork were to be compared to a body, then spirituality and magic would be the lifeblood that fuels it. Art is spirit, and spirit is art. For me, there is no separation. I was raised Roman Catholic and still retain inspiration and spiritual relationships from that upbringing. However, in recent years, I have also sought to understand my ancestry before Christianization. What began as research of Germanic and Celtic paganism, shamanism and other animistic traditions of Europe rapidly evolved into learning about alchemy, ideas of magic, and the power of symbolism. This effort to unravel the mysteries of the unseen has helped me develop a deeper relationship with the magic of the world around me and thus, myself. The result is the development of a rich tapestry of spiritual beliefs and experiences that serves as the foundation for all of my creations. My work is the representation of my soul’s magical experiences on canvas, and the love that has grown inside of me as a result. My goal in sharing them is to inspire a sense of awe, wonder, hope and a strong belief in magic and love. I believe Rumi says it best: The work of magic is this, that it breathes and at every breath transforms realities.

Diane Arthur is a contemporary multi-disciplinary artist who lives and works in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Born in and raised in this area, Diane grew up surrounded by a land and culture rich beyond her wildest dreams. It is the magnetism of this place that is an ever-present motivator for her to create. Diane’s inspiration includes, but is certainly not limited to, Neolithic art, Byzantine iconography, Classical Renaissance Art, and alchemical engravings of the 17th century. She creates with generous helpings of symbolism and mysticism. While her primary medium is acrylic painting, she also enjoys the simplicity of creating with pen and paper and the tactility of fiber art. Diane’s artwork has been shown in exhibitions in Oregon, Colorado and New Mexico, and in June 2024, she attended the Chateau Orquevaux Artists’ Residency in Orquevaux, France.

2-D, Drawing, Painting (all materials)