More than 40 years ago Diane graduated from Parsons School of Design with a degree in illustration. She has worked in various aspects of the art world throughout her career: freelance illustrator, giftware designer, art director, decor designer and as the owner of her company, DK Designs.

DK Designs produces fun and functional handcrafted items derived from Diane’s mixed media collage work. Since the early 90’s she has traveled the country exhibiting these works at fine art and craft shows as well as maintaining her business online.

Her artwork has also been represented for licensing through her partnerships with giftware companies resulting in a wide range of products being made from her images including: wall calendars, ceramic tiles, fabrics, tote bags, mouse pads, puzzles, place mats and posters.

Over the years, Diane has been the recipient of various awards ranging from best new artist, 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in mixed media to best in show. While maintaining her work with DK Designs she has currently expanded her profile to include exhibiting her original collage work exclusively at some of the most prestigious fine art shows around the country.

Pushing to the edge of what is possible in paper medium. Diane is expanding the boundaries of fine art with paper fiber.

Throughout her art life, Diane has been exploring and developing different techniques for advancing the possibilities of paper fiber in her art.

Art is form, shape and pattern. Artists use physical, theoretical and visual means to observe, analyze, create and adapt.

Continue reading to explore the work of artist Diane Kaylor and to read our exclusive interview with the artist!

How did you get started as an artist?

I became an artist the day I learned to hold a crayon.  In elementary school I was identified as having talent and enrolled in private art school lessons that I attended throughout middle school and into high school.  By then I knew I wanted to persue a career in the arts.  I went to Parsons School of Design and graduated with a degree in illustration.  I worked as a freelance illustrator, giftware designer, art director, decor designer and in 1991 started my own business, D.K. Designs.

How did you find your unique style of art making?

At Parsons I began experimenting with paper collage.  At first I created the collages using material from other print media.  This led to creating my own papers beginning with making my own fabric designs on paper and turning them into paper quilts.  From there it expanded to all kind of abstract painting techniques on various substrates creating different textures and making landscapes, seascapes and still lifes.

Tell us about the process of making your work from start to finish.

 My collages consist of thousands of pieces of paper which are cut, layered and overpainted.  The type of paper collage I create is a balance of abstract images and realistic representation.  First the papers are handprinted with a variety of abstract techniques including; rubbings, stenciling, scrapping, splattering and imprints of objects.  I use watercolor and acrylic paints.  In addition I have recently begun incorporating paper mache, paper clay and molding paste to create more sculptural relief elements.  Working from photographs as well as  from life I make a drawing and work in sections, cutting and layering the pieces.  As the parts come together I do more painting to unify the whole work.

Are there any unique challenges that come with working with paper compared to more traditional mediums?

The challenge of working with paper is the thing that keeps this art continuously engaging.  This technique is unique to me.  Each piece offers a new opportunity to create ways of doing things brought about by the individual demands of the work.  I am constantly coming up with new ways of doing things.  In addition, I spent quite a long time finding a satisfactory presentation solution for the work.  Each piece is framed in a custom made museum quality acrylic frame.  This provides protection as well as an unencumbered way to view the art

How has your 40 years of experience in various art related industries affected your art making process?

My goal is to continue to further my career as a working artist.  I want to produce work that engages me, that I am proud of and that people are interested in.  My experience has taught me that as long as those criteria are being met I am on the right path.

How do you spend your free time outside of making art? Do you have any favorite hobbies?

My favorite thing to do right now is to spend time with my grandchildren.  Watching them grow is a never ending source of joy.  My husband and I enjoy visiting historical sites and museums.  We love the Jersey shore, the Adirondacks and the NY Giants.

What is your favorite thing about being a working artist?

I make art because I am an artist.  I would make it regardless of any other consideration.  I am never bored.  I am never looking for something to do. I always have a piece of art in the works.