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Diana Woods’ work invites viewers into a luminous world where animals, nature, and the imagination converge. In the Resonance exhibition at Ann Korologos Gallery, Woods explores themes of healing, connection, and sentience through her intimate portrayals of horses, bears, and other creatures. Drawing on personal experiences, dreams, and a deep reverence for the natural world, her paintings—such as Cloud Horse, Like Moths to a Flame, and Bruno the Great—reveal both the strength and vulnerability of her subjects, reflecting a lifelong dialogue between artist, animal, and viewer.
I studied art in college in the 1970’s. Wildlife artists in those days were mostly men. I had to create my own curriculum as my professors didn’t know what to do with me. In 1980 I was in my first wildlife show, and I believe, I was the only woman. Not only that, but my work had a contemporary bent, so it was not well received. Over the years, I have pursued my vision and worked diligently on my craft. I’m always learning. Pushing my comfort zones and trying new ideas and techniques is where growth happens for an artist.
This idea came to me in a dream. I pictured a young girl surrounded by moths. Her inner light shining bright. A fox is also drawn into the magic and glow of this moment.
Many female artists have inspired my journey, most notably Georgia O’Keeffe, Emily Carr, Beatrice Wood, Hilma af Klint, and Frida Kahlo. What has intrigued me about these women is their tenacity and courage. Each one blazed their own unique trail against all odds. Their stories are captivating, and each one was ahead of their time. I had the privilege of meeting Beatrice Wood, a ceramic sculptor in Ojai, California. She lived to be 105. She was irreverent, funny and incredibly bright. Wood was dubbed the “Mama of Dada” as she was involved with Marcel Duchamp and the Dada movement. If you get the chance, read her book, “I Shock Myself”. It’s a great read.
The year of the Fire Horse galloped into the new year on my birthday, bringing a shift in awareness, renewed inspiration, and personal growth.
I have always been profoundly influenced by the healing power of horses. They have always been a conduit to deeper truths and my connection to the natural world and its wisdom.
In this painting, my beautiful horse Finnegan, is standing in the desert surrounded by a sunset of luminous clouds. The dapples in his coat reflect the clouds above him. He is a quiet and strong presence. We have shared our lives together for over 16 years. Finn is a highly spirited horse and has taught me so much – how to step into my power, courage and resilience. He has overcome many ailments but has done so with dignity. A gifted healer. He has helped me through the years navigate deep wounds, grief and trauma.
As you know, stories of Bruno have captivated my imagination since I was a child. Every time I paint him, he comes to me in a different way. In this new piece, Bruno (the Great) has wisdom and softness in his eyes. In my grandfather’s stories, he was a protector and spiritual guide. Do animals possess an inner life? Are they sentient beings? Do they dream? I believe strongly that they experience much of the emotions & complex social bonds that humans do. We rarely pause to consider what animals think or feel, or question whether their inner lives resemble our own. In creating this piece, I wanted to the viewer to look deep into the eyes and soul of this bear.
