Ode to Joy: The Artwork of Diana Fleysher and Laura Irene Wayne

Ode to Joy is a digitally enhanced art gallery experience featuring the works of local artists Diana Fleysher and Laura Irene Wayne. Move around and discover uplifting works that celebrate the joy that art brings!

Virtual Gallery

Diana Fleysher

Artist Statement

"Welcome to the “Ode to Joy” exhibition. I am Diana, and the artist behind Sloppyperfect Art studio. I love creating abstract paintings that are inspired by natural elements, the universe, and my travels around the world. I sometimes joke that I did a 180 degree turn in life. I went from working in finance with black and white numbers to bright colors and textures and paint brushes. As a self-taught artist, my painting process evolved to be mostly intuitive, as I love experimenting with texture and different mediums as well as combining soft and bold colors. I really want my art to evoke the feelings of joy and possibility in those who interact with it and for people to get inspired to try something new.

'Sloppyperfect' is the metaphor I chose for my approach to art and creativity. Because it prioritizes joy, embraces imperfection and allows us to explore and create without the pressure of perfection. It’s like a whimsical cape we can put on and let go of our fears. It’s about having a playful approach to our artistic pursuits and life in general and taking small steps rather than getting caught up in overanalyzing or self-judgment like we sometimes do.

And truly, it’s about more than the art you put on the walls. It’s about curiosity, an experiment, a story, a conversation... all infused with a feeling of joy and possibility. It is a gathering place for those looking for inspiration and creative belonging. Thank you for being here and I hope you enjoy the experience."‍

View more of Diana's artwork on her website

Laura Irene Wayne

Artist Statement

Laura Irene Wayne -- Painter, Printmaker and Poet

"As Joy rises from within me, my emotions are evoked and exhibited I am cradled in calmness, embraced by love, peace, hope, and happiness. Joy Leads me down this path to bliss, I create colorful brushstrokes, words of empowerment unifying Joy and Peace in my Artwork."

About the Artist

Laura’s Artwork has been exhibited locally, nationally and internationally. Her Artwork and Poetry has appeared in and on the covers of magazines, books and newspapers. Laura creates words and pictures from a spiritual feminist perspective. She envisions the world through the lenses of an African/Native American, Womanist, Painter, Printmaker, Poet, Educator and Activist. Her moral obligation is to try to graphically and literally document what she feels socially. Laura’s 45 years of making Art by constructing lyrical and visual verses of life’s struggles, offering spiritual awareness and celebrating and empowering Womyn and Girls in a visual and literary in an unjust world. Laura’s devotion to her work speaks volumes of spirit, Peace, love and Joy.

View more of Laura's artwork on her website