Presenting Di - featured artist #3

Today I have the pleasure of introducing you to Di Decaire, an artist who finds drawing therapeutic for the relief of stress, we can see some examples of her wonderful drawings here, but be sure to follow the links at the end of our interview to learn more about Di and her art.. let's give her a big welcome... hi Di!! Thank you so much for allowing me to interview you and share with our readers your thoughts and a little bit about your journey. You are creating some beautiful art I must say, and I'm looking forward to finding out more about what's behind why you find drawing therapeutic ....

1. So first of 3 questions, why do you love drawing Di?


i have been drawing before i was talking, according to what my mother has told me. it is almost too natural for me. sometimes when i can't find the right word to how i am feeling, i'll start doodling and sure enough i have drawn how i am feeling right at that moment.
i always seem to have paper with me and i start doodling. my doodlings though get to be quite complicated and without realising it i have created an intense peice of artwork.



















(untitled doodle by Di, 2009)

2. Has drawing helped to relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress or illness?

when i draw, i get into a zone where the earth could have erupted and i wouldn't give a care because i am so intent on working my drawing. i have found that when my depression has full blown (and i am often hospitalized) i create amazing works. people have often given me a peice of paper and i can draw exactly what i am going through. my doctor now knows to give me paper and allows me to get my feelings out. if not my feelings would be trapped inside until i can get them out.
i have found that i carry paper with me always and i often bring out the paper when i am under more and more stress. paper is my friend and my pencil is my best friend. i know they won't judge me when i need to let my feelings out.

caged brain (2007- Di was hospitalized when this was drawn)


3. Where is your favourite drawing place?

favorite drawing place, umm, don't have one. i'll draw/doodle anywhere. i don't like it when people just stare at me like i am a wierdo just because i need to draw. i don't mind it at all if a person comes up to me and asks if they could watch. as i say, i get into my own zone and i am out to the world. my world becomes my art and what i am working on. the ultimate place to draw though is at my work, where art is encouraged (even by my boss) and i am encouraged to create and just be.

for me, drawing is very freeing and there are no rules, but lots of opportunities. drawing always me to be me. drawing is soo natural for me and talking is my second language.

one line of tears (2007) by Di Decaire

see more and hear from Di here at her blog and her art website

Di Decaire's Art Website

Di's Blog