Monica Diaz

Statement: My process is less about having an idea and trying to paint it and more about creative expression itself. By allowing myself to paint intuitively and in the moment, my paintings often take on a life of their own, and I end up feeling the benefits of creativity and expression without a sense of perfectionism or accuracy affecting me. It is intuitive work, full of emotions, and transformed in color and marks. Resume: Monica DiazNative of Venezuela I graduated from architecture school in 1992. In 2003, I had to immigrate to USA with my husband and two kids because of the political spectrum. Starting from zero, my husband and I have been working together in the remodeling business. Everything changed when in 2020 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. After treatments and surgery, I am now cancer free and happier than ever. By connecting with the breast cancer support community at Orlando Health, I realized I could paint as a full-time job. They have given me the courage to do that. That community has connected me with new friends through art workshops and allowed me to do things that, in the past, I considered difficult. My career as an architect was good, but as the years passed, the pressure and stress of following codes and regulations erased the beauty of creating. I felt that I needed a change and to recover my love for art.EducationJose Maria Vargas Caracas, Venezuela1992 Architecture Art classesVarious1983-present Oil painting, acrylic painting, pastel, sketching, watercolor, mixed mediaExperienceMonica Diaz Art & Design, LLC | 95 E Magnolia Street, Oviedo, FL 32765Artist & Designer 2022 – - Abstract painting- Applying for and showing at gallery exhibitions- Curating exhibitions- Architectural consulting and design for residential owners- Website design and social media marketingExhibits and Awards· Solo Exhibition “Freedom to Fly”, Avalon Park Art & Cultural Center, Orlando, 2024· United Arts Individual Grant 2023· City Art’s Edgar Alan Poe Juried Art Exhibition· Mood, Animals with attitude, International Juried Art Exhibition, Wild Heart Gallery, Overall Honorable Mention, 2023· Art & Color 365, Acrylic Competition, Special Merit, 2023· Women in the Arts Honorary Award, 2023· Top Choice Award, Sobo Gallery, 2023· Galerie Elan, 2023· Art Walk Orlando, 2023· Sobo Gallery, 2023· Avalon Park Art and Cultural Center, 2022-2023· CityArts Gallery, 2022· Orlando Health Cancer Institute, 2022Skills and Specialties· Microsoft Suite· ACAD· Chief Architect· Acrylic painting· Palette knife Website: www.monicadiazartstore.comInstagram: monicadiaz­_artFacebook: Monica Diaz ArtE-mail: [email protected]