Diana Forbes

Diana's journey as an artist began in the cultural city of Leipzig, Germany, where her childhood was filled with the creative energy of her family. Her mother was a devoted crafter, and her father had a passion for painting. These early influences left an indelible mark on Diana, whose hands were often sticky with glue from her love of arts and crafts.

Some of her fondest memories are of sitting with her uncle, an acclaimed sculptor, meticulously modeling delicate flower petals from clay at the kitchen table —a cherished connection to the organic beauty of nature.

Diana's passion for creativity never waned. After studying Law at the University of Leipzig, she travelled extensively through Europe, South East Asia and Australia, to find a much-needed escape from the fast-paced demands of her corporate career. These journeys reignited a freedom of expression she had longed for. Upon settling in the UK and starting a family, Diana once again immersed herself in arts and crafts, this time alongside her two sons. The kitchen table became a hub of creativity, always adorned with a fruit bowl and cut flowers, bringing the comforting presence of nature's offerings into their home.

Diana's colourful botanical works invite viewers into her garden, where intense reds, lush greens, and vivid pinks are a recurring theme. Her unique approach incorporates cut-paper Japanese collage, which adds a translucent quality to the colours, reminiscent of light filtering through flower petals. This technique, combined with layers of texture, creates a rich, tactile experience. The botanicals in her work are rendered simplistically, focusing more on the essence of the forms than on their precise details.

Working from her studio outside of Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, Diana draws inspiration from the surrounding countryside and the natural world. Her artistic process is intuitive, marked by bold strokes, fine details, and the intricate layering of textures. Collage plays a central role in her collections, adding depth and dimension to her pieces.

Diana's works have gained international attention and are collected by art enthusiasts, each piece carrying the warmth of her memories and the vibrant energy of her artistic vision.