“Art is infinitely important to me and the need to create is my life’s passion. The Arts are not as well respected in our world as they should be. The technical and creative aspects of an artwork deserve respect, contemplation and thought regarding the message it conveys and contribution to our society. Art can mean different things to different people, encouraging a deeper understanding of self as it relates to the social, emotional environment that surrounds us. I feel privileged to make art.                               Diane Varano                               

 Background History:

            Diane Varano is a retired principal, educator and consultant from New York City. Her passion for the Arts began when she was a young girl. Although Ms. Varano’s work in visual arts offered her the opportunity to be chosen as one of two students within the school district to attend a high school for the Arts in New York City, her father did not approve of her interest in the Arts. In the past, she donated time creating art for fundraisers and as a freelance artist. In addition, during her career in education, Ms. Varano found opportunities to create art with young adults, working on installations for the Gallery located at the Robert Wagner Jr. Secondary School for the Arts & Technology in Long Island City in addition to two installations at the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York City. She currently pursues her work as a full-time artist.

 

Artist’s Statement:

            My work is diverse, spanning from sculpture to painting and photography. I see a strong connection within these mediums and processes, learning from each experience to inspire my next project.  My love of the interrelationships between texture and shape drives me to experiment with ways to represent these ideas in contemporary sculptures. With the use of paint and camera, I create my conception of the world through the use of color, light and shadow, each telling a story for the observer’s personal perception to explore and formulate thought.

 

Installations & Projects:

            My photography and paintings have been shown at the Art Gallery located on the campus of Kingsborough Community College’s CUNY Brooklyn for the past three years, as well as, the spring 2017 and fall 2019 Magazine, Antheon, A Journal of the Arts.  I was the featured artist for sculpture and photography at the Old Mill Craft Village in Allentown, New Jersey, spring 2018.  Art Shows include installations at the Brooklyn Streetcar Artists’ Group’s exhibition, “The Seasons” at Coney Island Hospital Gallery, March through May, 2019, and five paintings from the Broken but Beautiful series at the Greenpoint Gallery, December, 2019.  The Brooklyn Streetcar Artists’ Group also maintains a YouTube Channel, BSAG-TV, where my artwork is displayed on Window into Art, July 2020 to present. Additionally, I am an active member of the Buck’s County Arts Council, Brooklyn Arts Council and the Brooklyn Streetcar Artists’ Group.  Anyone interested in seeing more of my artwork, please visit dianevaranoarts.com. Currently, I am continuing my work on the series, “Broken but Beautiful”, looking at hope in the world beyond the broken mirrors and glass.      

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            “I have spent many joyful years working with students as well as educators in an effort to bring forth meaningful education. Art has always been at the forefront, inspiring college level work within all academic disciplines. I’ve spent my career balancing the Arts with education and consultant work.  I am fortunate to presently have the opportunity to more deeply explore my identity as an artist. The Arts have always been an intricate part of my life.

                                                                               Now… coming full circle, I have come home…