Diana Hand
“Transitions”
18th to 27th April, 2025
The Horse in Woodland
Horses, especially in their natural environment, are at the heart of my inspiration. A particular image of a spotted Knabstrupper horse in winter woodland has captivated me, the patterns of its coat mirroring the tangled branches around it. This ancient Danish breed, with its striking markings, has served as a starting point for my artistic
exploration.
Over the years, I have deconstructed this image through paintings, drawings, prints, collages, and constructions, and have currently distilled it into eight abstract forms.
Using charcoal, gesso, white acrylic, and blackboard paint, I embrace fluid and
expressive techniques that heighten the visual and tactile impact of my work.
These abstracted shapes no longer resemble their source; they have evolved into
something raw, unfiltered, and almost surreal. They are reflections of my psyche and body – celebrations of the unformed and the seemingly incoherent. Even in
formlessness, natural laws persist, shaping all things, seen and unseen. My work
embraces this paradox: the presence of order within chaos.
Diana has been a professional artist and maker for many years and has exhibited throughout UK. She is the author and illustrator of “Draw Horses in 15 Minutes” (2015 Octopus/Ilex). She is a graduate of Glasgow School of Art, and has a Master’s degree in Contemporary Art Theory from Edinburgh College of Art. Diana lives and works in Central Scotland.
10am – 9pm Monday – Friday
10am – 6pm Saturday
12pm – 5pm Sunday