BUCKHANNON – Artistry on Main is home to several West Virginia artists and their work. Through this column, receive a behind-the-curtain view of the background and inspirations of each local artist. See their work — and sometimes the artists themselves — at Artistry on Main, 27 E. Main Street in Buckhannon.
Meet Diana Black, a Buckhannon native who now resides in Morgantown whose breathtaking and detailed watercolor works are now available at Artistry on Main.
Fueled by a spark of interest in the arts at an early age, Black’s creativity developed as she drew inspiration from the natural world and personal life experiences.
“I look to the moon and stars, the hills and hollows, woods and wild places,” she said. “Making art is my way of manifesting the hope that humanity can somehow manage to celebrate and protect the world around us, and by extension, ourselves.”
After years of hard work, she found that Artistry on Main was the perfect location to display and sell her work.
“I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember, but it wasn’t until I left medical school that I began to practice art more seriously,” Black said. “For years, I did many daily studies, mostly in graphite and ink, then began incorporating watercolor in 2017-2018, and only recently (Fall 2021) began experimenting with relief printing.”
Black prefers watercolor illustration, relief printing, and silk-screening. Her pieces usually begin as thumbnail sketches and – through the creative process – evolve into full color or linework pieces.
“I love meticulously painted, full-color illustrations, but I also love the simplicity and almost symbolic quality of linework,” Black said.
Black’s unique items are available for purchase at Artistry on Main in a variety of products: prints, vinyl stickers, tote bags, and framed prints. Check out her work for yourself on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or purchase items online at the Etsy store listed under her artist moniker, Wildcravt.
“I derive a great sense of peace from making images that honor places/creatures/ideas, but bear the unique marks of my own interpretation,” Black said. “Sharing with others through images, actions, and written words is one of mankind’s great strengths (for good or ill). We are, by our very nature, artistic and creative creatures, even those who consider themselves nothing but pragmatic.
Celebrate local artists, like Diana Black, at Artistry on Main at 27 E. Main Street in Buckhannon. The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The gallery is closed on Mondays.
Follow Artistry on Main on Facebook for frequent updates about new products, artist spotlights and more. Bookmark the gallery’s website for more information.
