Artist Statement
My signature fresco style captures images of nature and old-world European artistry. Monuments, landscapes, cityscapes, angels, and the human form, overlayed with aged stone, richly pigmented crumbling walls, fluttering flora and fauna all combine to infuse contemporary settings with substance and meaning. This “fresco photography” process involves superimposing multiple images onto one another, creating perceptual layers that lie somewhere between a painting and a photograph.
“Biophilic art and design traits feature prominently in my work. Cycles of nature; roots, ruins, waves and blooms, and the patina of time act upon human-made elements and our psyche. Architectural and natural geometry alike settle into a biological familiarity. As the underlying multi-dimensional surfaces become complex, the fresco fractal-like images tend to relax the mind and promote healing and well-being.
Just as in the concept of “Pentimento”, I create images that have the effect of looking at old paint on canvas, where parts of the original patterns, textures, paint and collage emerge, transforming the image. These elements are often visibly vulnerable to the effects of weathering, tarnishing and dripping; creating works that appear fragile but have long endured.
The fresco images are infused with ageless allure and visceral, translucent depth — with stories to whisper — and dreams to evoke.”
Hotel Babuino 35; commissioned Diane to create a 26’ long collage for its lobby/ entrance.
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Fine Art Photographer and Artist Diane Epstein Art
2003-presentFounder, Artist Salon
2013-present
An international community of artists, where creative professionals can exchange ideas, collaborate and organize multidisciplinary exhibitsFounder, Artful Agility
2019-present
Creativity and wellness retreats for change-makers and leaders across industries that bring deeper connection, promote healing and foster creativity.BACKGROUND
Diane Epstein was born in New York City, grew up in California, spent her high school years in London and lived in Rome from 1995-2016, after which she relocated back to the San Francisco Bay Area. Diane pioneered the art of Fresco Photography, a unique photographic interpretation of traditional fresco painting.Diane’s practice as a therapist and creativity coach helped her to realize that it was her fate to be an artist in her own right, and immerse herself in this artful journey to the sacred, illuminating the spirit of place and nature’s timeless beauty.
Diane’s fresco images can be found in public spaces and private collections worldwide. She has exhibited in many galleries, museums, embassies and has been commissioned to create large-scale images for hospitality, residential and corporate spaces around the world.EDUCATION
Masters of Arts Degree in Psychology and Health CounselingJohn F. Kennedy UniversityGraduated with honors
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Liberal ArtsSonoma State UniversityGraduated with honors
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Selected Exhibitions
Gerald Bland Gallery, New York; Exhibiting 15 large-scale frescoes of Diane Epstein’s Fresco Photography 2019 - 2020 (new show opening in early Spring)Angels, Goddesses and the Spirit of Italy (Solo Opening) | December 2011 – February 2012
Beneath the Surface (Solo Opening)| October – November 2010
Room Art Gallery, Mill Valley, CA; Fresco Photography: An Open Book, February 1- March 31. Art Lovers Opening: February 16, 2019. New Fresco images shown alongside Miro’, Chagall and Picasso / Each month in 2019
Gerald Bland Gallery, New York; Transforming Interior Space with Fresco Photography. (Solo Opening) | April 2015. Continued representation and showing to the present. Upcoming show | May 2019
Shears & Window, San Francisco; Diane Epstein: Transforming Interior Space with Fresco Photography (Solo Opening) |September 2015 – April 2016.
St. Stephen’s Cultural Center Foundation, Rome: Meanwhile: Light and Presence (Group Show with the Artist Salon) May 2014 – June 2014
Paolo Antonacci Gallery, Rome; Capturing the Timelessness of Venice, Rome & the Italian Countryside | (Solo Show) September – October 2011
Panopticon Gallery, Boston; Photography Salon (Group Show) | May 2011
Susan Calloway Fine Arts, Washington, DC; Beneath the Surface (Solo Show) | November – Dec. 2010
American Embassy, Rome; Diane Epstein’s Latest Works (Solo Show)| October – November 2009
American Academy, Rome; Through the Eyes of Women (Group Show) | May 2006
Residence of the Belgian Ambassador to Italy, Rome, Roma Autentica (Solo Show) | May 2005
John Cabot University, Rome; Roma Autentica (Solo Show) | May – June 2005
Museum at Palazzo Boccarini, Amelia, Umbria; Le Foto di Diane Epstein (Solo Show) | June 2005
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Stanford University commissioned Diane for 4 large-scale diptych and triptych fresco collages printed on stretched canvas entitled: Open Book (72"x 72") Hands of Connection (72"x 72"), Shapes of Wisdom (84" x 60"), and the Mystery of Knowledge (84" x 60") for four lobbies of graduate school residential halls
Rome Luxury Suites, Babuino 35, Rome; Large-scale (26 feet long) collage with 325 images, printed on printed on fine art paper and backed in aluminum, inlaid in the wall of the lobby with special lighting above the collage, with coating that eliminated the need for glass. An additional twelve fresco photographs (43’H X 65"W each) were installed in their lounges and suites. Permanent installation.
Private Commissions
Trees on Sliding Glass, (85"H x 40" W), Sonoma, California. Printed and inlaid in glass with light reflecting behind the imageCollage of A.S Roma Soccer Trio commissioned by one of the U.S owners of the soccer team in Rome. Printed on Hahnemühle fine art paper (each at 40"H x 40"W). The triptych of the soccer balls consists of a Golden Ball; Romulus & Remus and a Fire Ball. Fresco photography triptych for L.A. offices
Dorskind Family Collection Alongside the prominent collection of world-class photographers, including Henri Cartier-Bresson, Edward Weston and Ansel Adams, purchased fresco photographs by Diane
Museum of Rome’s Caffe Braschi, (Piazza Navona) Rome; Showing of fifteen various sized fresco photographs stretched on canvas and printed on Hahnemühle fine art paper, as well as color/sepia-toned images of cafe life.
Hotel Mario de Fiori 37, Rome, Six images (43"H X 65"W each) printed on Hahnemühle fine art paper of architectural fresco photographs and framed for their suites and lounge, and 36"H X 87"W image for the lobby. Permanent installation.
La Scala in Malaysia; Ten large-scale fresco photographs printed on Hahnemühle fine art paper and framed throughout the luxury space and restaurant.
Ceasar’s Palace, Las Vegas; (50’H X 50"W) fresco photograph for a public space. Permanent installation.
Sheraton Hotel, Rome; Four (65"H X 43"W) sepia toned architectural images printed on printed on Hahnemühle fine art paper and framed for public space. Permanent installation.
Hotel Babuino 181, Rome; Commissioned to create over sixty photographs, including frescoes for lobby, breakfast area and 16 suites (64" x 43" each), and sepia-toned architectural details printed on printed on Hahnemühle fine art paper throughout the hotel, as well as a large-scale diptych for the dining area. Permanent installation.
Hotel Margutta 54, Rome; Fresco photograph stretched on canvas (72"H X 51"W) for the hotel entrance and 4 other large-scale fresco images printed on Hahnemühle fine art paper for the suites. Permanent installation.