Diane Collins inspires reverence for the natural world in her ceramic, bronze, and mixed-media constructions. After a decade of focus on assemblage and a decade prior concentrating solely on iconic bronze animal heads and vessels, Diane now marries both practices with a return to her classical foundation while incorporating unexpected materials that help elevate the figure from a mere description to a broader statement.

 

Whether we consider her raw, primal approach that leaves the impression of an unearthed,
mythic animal head from the distant past or we reflect on her sensitively articulated figures and
heads, the respect the artist holds for her subject is undeniable. Diane’s animals exist not as
static replicas of nature’s wonder but rather come to life with voices all their own we are
compelled to consider.

A conservationist at heart, Diane found sanctuary in nature in her earliest memories when
peace in the home and school life presented challenges to her sense of belonging. Her deep
ties to nature were refined as her practice matured decades later during a vision quest with
teacher Jake Singer, (Navajo Sundance Chief “Brave Eagle”). Representing Sacred nature
became the focal point of her work. The works of Deborah Butterfield and Georgia O’Keefe
and the practice of Kintsugi, (where fractures of a broken vessel are illuminated with gold) all
remain influences deepened by the artist’s spiritual ties to the natural world.

 

Diane’s sculpture has received numerous awards including “The Cresson Memorial Travel
Scholarship”, “Ward Prize in Sculpture” from PAFA, “Honorable Mention” in 2021 by juror
Rebecca Segall with Gross McCleaf Gallery and “Best In Show” at WAC’s Regional Juried
Exhibition in 2023 by juror Peter Van Dyck. Her work is in private collections throughout the
northeastern US, California, and abroad. Most notably, her work is a part of the Georgia and
David K Welles Collection.