Diren He – Fine Arts Studio

About

He is an acclaimed painter, illustrator, and art instructor living and creating out of Kansas City.

After receiving his MFA from the Academy of Art University, Diren moved to the midwest to pursue a career in painting/illustration at Hallmark Cards.

Diren’s work is driven by his fascination with capturing the often overlooked aspects of nature. Having spent his adolescent years in the vast Chinese countryside, Diren draws inspiration from experiences with nature’s ever-changing moods – often peaceful, playful, but at times also forceful and unrelenting. Regardless of subject matter, Diren strives to express these emotions through his work.

What inspires you to create?

Every now and then, you’ll be living life as you do, and you’ll see, hear, or read something that will trigger a vivid memory, or invoke an idea that resonates with you so deeply that you become obsessed with expressing that feeling on paper and sharing it with the world. It could be a glimmer of light hitting something at just the right angle or a drop of ink on paper that splatters in the most magical way – highlighting and emphasizing beauty in everyday things and sharing an appreciation for that beauty drives me to create.

What advice would you give to people looking to express their creativity?

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, or to try new things. Growth requires hard work and the courage to fail.

How does your art connect with people?

I think the medium of mosaic resonates with people because it is historical and familiar, but can be used in a more contemporary manner that can be exciting. I like to incorporate the familiar in new and unexpected ways, whether it be through color, materials, or both.