Dumbo Brooklyn artist Diana Milia is also an author and an art therapist. Diana is a registered, board certified art therapist in private practice. She is on the faculty of the graduate art therapy program at New York University and has practiced art therapy with children and adults in educational and clinical settings. Her book, Self-Mutilation and Art Therapy: Violent Creation examines the effect of art therapy interventions with clients who harm their bodies. Diana’s current work on East Village and Dumbo sketches (giclée prints) can be seen at Almondine Bakery on 85 Water Street.
Your art has a more calming hue compared with what most people would think of Dumbo, a noisy, dark, post-industrial streetscape. How would you describe your work?
Although its incredibly difficult to be seen and heard as an artist in the overwhelming “noise” and intensity of visual stimuli in the city, I have continued to make art that is quiet and contemplative. In Dumbo the traffic roars and races over the bridges and expressways yet “down under” there is a somewhat secret atmosphere with historic resonance, quiet times of day, and interesting diagonal light patterns. Despite screaming advertising, overcrowding and construction, New York City continues to provide opportunities and spaces for introspection and intimate human interactions at the street level. I hope that my artwork will encourage people to take more time to look, feel, and absorb their experiences at deeper levels of awareness.
How long have you worked in Dumbo?
I was practicing art therapy in schools in the neighborhood, and a couple of years ago when I was ready to open my private practice, it was natural to look for a studio space in Dumbo…not the typical location for a therapist but a great location for an arts based business. Its very convenient for children and families in the neighborhood who would otherwise have to travel to Manhattan for this type of service.
How do you think Dumbo has changed since you’ve been here? Would you agree that artists are moving out of the area because of higher rent prices?
Certainly the neighborhood has been changing dramatically and undergoing rapid development. This is happening all over the city, and its natural that developers would want to take advantage of the views and proximity to Manhattan. I have met several artists still working and living in Dumbo, although many of my close friends have left the city entirely. It becomes very difficult when artists are dependent on wages to pay living expenses.
Do you feel inspired by being around Dumbo or artists in the area?
Being next to the water keeps me happy and inspired. I can step outside my building, cross the street and be in the park in less than two minutes. The river moves unhurried, unbothered, unaffected by artifice or desperation, completely at one with itself.
Diana Milia self portrait
—
For additional information on Diana Milia’s artwork go to indulgeart.com. Her practice, NYC Art Therapy, conducts workshops and courses and is located at 25 Washington St. Ste. 630, DUMBO, Brooklyn
nycarttherapy.com
