Diana Ali is a visual Artist & Curator TV Present
An artist with an incredible drive to develop, learn and grow, and to push boundaries and challenging herself
As an artist she has a greatly positive mindset ceasing every moment, turning ordinary experiences and connections into extraordinary opportunities for moving forward.
Beginning her journey at Nottingham Trent University, in the year 1999 and achieving a BA in the 2001, she finished her degree with a feeling of unsureness, not knowing what direction to go.
She got a job as a waitress but still continuing her practice, taking her sketch book to work and working on art pieces on a low budget finding spices in a cupboard to create art work for a show titled ‘Spiced ‘ in 2001 . She had the opportunity of curating an exhibitions within the space in the restaurant.
The next direction in her journey was teaching art in Ilkeston as a teaching qualification was not required t in 2003, leaping towards another opportunity to develop further as an artist .
Her message was to take every opportunity to develop as an artist as a person. This resonated with me as I am researching a variety of aspects of work within art both artistically and professionally. Working in the community, with older adults, young people and joint projects with other artists. Diana spoke about building a database of contacts to reach out to for collaboration or opportunities to promote her work. Her beliefs in the value of art led her to become involved in groups such as the Women Centre in Hyson Green and lobby Parliamentary groups. Becoming a figure within art she had opportunities offered such as The Big Painting Challenge on television.
Her Bangladeshi heritage is important in her work alongside her British upbringing. Spice uses spices from her heritage which were in the kitchen cupboard and draws on her heritage and Manchester, her birth place, fusing this into her work. Throughout her art career she is able to see an object or a moment, materials and to create whether it be traditional or non-traditional. Spice plays on the human senses with the smell drawing you in. This relates to my work where I wish to draw you in through your senses utilising textiles and my interest in the human experience.
Diana Ali. Spiced 2001
