Right Around the River Blog
Fall Line at Rocketts Landing Displays Art by Diane Clement
Post Date: 11-20-2012
Rocketts Landing residents are well known in our community for their appreciation of the creative arts. And nothing highlighted this better than last weekend's two-day-long art show that turned a vacant two-story Fall Line condominium into a pop-up gallery featuring inspiring work by local artist Diane Clement. And we were thrilled to join the artistic fun!
Organized by Fall Line resident Tom Yeamen, a rotating flow of visitors came to Rocketts Landing to view (and buy!) Diane's artwork, which featured over 100 paintings, large and small, framed, matted and more. A self-taught artist, Diane began painting professionally almost 10 years ago and she hasn't looked back. Using streaks of bright and bold colors mixed with texturized, asymmetrical and still-life details, Diane's art invites you to gaze deeply into her paintings and enter her world of abstract expression.
While some pieces evoke a Jackson Pollack–like feel, others challenge you to find the picture inside the painting, such as a sweeping stroke resembling a jellyfish or shadowed face emerging from the background.
“[Jackson Pollack’s] process is just like my process — real,” explains Diane. “Just painting what you have to paint. The physical part of the process is exhilarating and as real as the moment: wine, beer, dog hair, bugs … the process of producing art no matter what. It's all about the art. It's all about the process.”
These unique expressions are exactly the reason Tom helped organize and curate the show for Diane. He knows first-hand the effect her artwork can have on a home’s larger décor. As an avid art collector, her painting of The Jefferson Hotel became the basic color palette for decorating his new home when he moved into Rocketts Landing four years ago.
“I have known Diane for several years and first began collecting her larger paintings several years ago,” explains Tom. “After I realized that she had over 100 paintings [in storage], I offered to host a show for only her great works, some of which measure 12 feet.”
While oil and acrylics are Diane’s common mediums, she’ll also incorporate more unconventional properties into her art, such as beer, fire singes, dog hair — and she’s even painted using jet exhaust.
And just as the process is an important feature for Diane as an artist, the unique experience each painting creates for each viewer is just as important to her — and Tom.
“Rocketts Landing has so many incredible residents who enjoy abstract art, so I decided to hold her show … so that all of the walls could be filled with her many large paintings,” Tom explains. “I enjoy mixing local talented friends and the elements of exciting locations together for a wonderful opportunity — where everybody wins!”
Though her paintings are no longer on display, Diane does frequently showcase her work throughout the Richmond area. So, we definitely encourage you to keep her artwork on your gallery radar!