Peter Rabbit and friends come alive.

What does it take to get inspired?

In the case of a wraparound Peter Rabbit, I had to read 8 books by Beatrix Porter to get to know the characters. I had to make up a story-line to put a dynamic sequence in place. Whimsical details like a singing bird on one foot or spilled onions, or teasing cat fish in a pond were added to keep the viewer endlessly engaged.
Many of my clients are grateful for the endless joy my work brings to their lives. I am grateful for their endless inspiration.

Marisa Pirrotta-Sulsenti That looks very familiar! The murals in my old nursery is one of the few things that really makes me miss my old house.

Wallflower

On Jan 15, 2013, at 7:33 AM, Regina Cooper wrote:


“I’ve always believed that art should appeal to its audience—making them think, feel and wonder. Therefore, to me art is always a meaningful experience,” says Diana Sorkin, Principal Artist and Owner of Diana’s Murals and More.

Sorkin, who originally hails from Moscow, Russia, embarked on her career as a mural artist at the age of 16. Her first commission was for a holiday mural, which featured 38 life-size figures. It adorned a wall of a school in Brooklyn. “That’s when I fell in love with the medium,” reveals Sorkin, whose passion and talent has since then blossomed into a successful business creating custom design murals, sculptures and decorative finishes for both commercial and residential clients throughout New York City.

The versatile artist, who works in many mediums including everything from watercolors and acrylics to metal, received a classical art education while she was in Russia. Upon arriving in the United States in 1983, Sorkin continued her art education Pratt Institute, where she thrived on the richness of global art and architecture.  While there she studied graphic design and communication design. Upon graduation, the artist spent some of her early career designing graphics for fortune 500 companies.

Murals & More
“I’ve turned to painting murals because it’s a creative, rewarding and liberating experience,” says Sorkin. “It allows me to create fantasy. I can tell a story, change the mood of a room or use different techniques and optical effects such as trompe l’oeil.

Sorkin’s sense of proportion and color enables her to design both commercial and residential spaces. Some commercial projects include trendy restaurants BESO and Bayou, as well as Relax on Cloud 9 spa, the United States Coast Guard and the Stanford White landmark, which was built in 1892. “This was a fascinating experience because it marked my first opportunity with a big architectural project,” says Sorkin.

Although Sorkin has created a diverse range of murals for various clients, her greatest passion is creating murals for children. She often creates whimsical themes for nurseries and playrooms.  “I always add special touches and hidden details to bring the murals to life and spark imaginations,” reveals Sorkin, whose work includes lots of motion.

Working with children has certainly taken Sorkin in a new direction. Beyond her role as a mural artist, Sorkin works as a teaching artist. “I welcome the opportunity to share my lifelong passion with the next generation of Michelangelos. I try to encourage them to be creative and be fearless—to understand the world around them as well as within.”

Sorkin, who is credited with lots of awards over the years, is most proud of metal sculpture named “The Dance of Life.” The mobile sculpture, which was a commission from the Jewish Community Center, represents unity of male and female. “I consider myself a painter, so I was proud of this project because it was out of my comfort zone.”

Her award winning projects include a range of chic restaurants, serene spas, community centers and schools to private residences, child care facilities and office spaces. Among Sorkin’s achievements was being named winner of the Hudson-Shatz poster contest and Channel 13’s Statue of Liberty contest. Sorkin also received the Saint Gaudens award and one of her sculptures was cast in bronze and placed at The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine in New York City.

Sorkin’s work is priced affordable and begins at $500 and goes up from there depending on the size and detail of the project. She also offers innovative decorative finishes for homes.

This accomplished artist will continue to cultivate ideas for new projects. She concludes, “Art is a source of endless inspiration.”


Diana’s Murals and More
www.dianasmurals.com

(917) 881 1324
diana@dianasmurals.com

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“Everyone learns every day” says P.S.5’s school slogan. This year learning was about more than the academics.

Under the creative guidance and supervision of artist Diana Sorkin of DIANA’S Murals and More, the fifth graders created wall murals to leave as a legacy for their beloved Huguenot school.

The second floor classrooms are occupied by Kindergarten and first grade students. Grade level favorite books became the inspiration for the murals.

The pictures were based on Eric Carle and Tomie de Paula’s popular children’s books, which are being studied by the Kindergarten and first grade throughout their curriculum.

The kids were so inspired by the project they sang their school song as they painted. Other students and teachers alike burst with excitement every time they walk through the swinging doors that depict their beloved characters (The Hungry Caterpillar, The Grouchy Ladybug, The Lonely Firefly, Strega Nonna, and The Art Lesson).

As the project moved along, the kids got to design the pictures and explore different painting techniques with permanent paint. The children learned the basics of conceptual design, composition, drawing to scale and painting with various brushstrokes. Young artists were impressed how forgiving latex paint can be on the walls but not on their smocks. Most of the supplies were generously donated by the local Sherwin-Williams and Capital Paint stores. School staff and volunteer parents pitched in to make this collaboration a success.

As with the previous COAHSI Wish Grant, ABC grant will make the Huguenot School an Artistic Landmark in the Staten Island community.

The ABC Grant 2011 was made possible COAHSI, NYSCA.

Quick and Easy Holiday Fun.

I like to make things quick and easy. I am a Mural artist at DIANA'S Murals and More in NY area. This season I was asked to design a Christmas Tree for charity, Festival of Wreaths and Trees. I've never done that before but was always fascinated by people who do. I've loved Alice in Wonderland story ever since I read it as a child. When I watched the movie recently with my kids ages 10, 11, I was so inspired the ideas came flooding in. My kids helped me with this project making it memorable and fun for all. In a matter of hours I had designed and created hand made decorations for my project. Most items were recycled. I used sponges to make cakes, water bottles for potions, disposable spoons, plates and cups were sprinkled with glitter for the tea party. The result was stunning. I was so pleased with the finished look. I made a connection with Salvation Army and at the end of the festival donated the Tree to a family with three kids. Sharing the joy with others made my holiday more special. I would love to share with anyone how to make Holiday decorations quick and easy.
Best wishes for the Holidays!

The Tree that keeps on giving

A whimsical "Alice in Wonderland" themed Christmas tree was donated to a needy family by Huguenot artist Diana Sorkin and other members of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce.
Ms. Sorkin of Diana's Murals and More, Dianasmurals.com, designed the tree for a fund-raiser, "A Festival of Wreaths and Trees," earlier this month at Mount Manresa Jesuit Retreat House, Fort Wadsworth.
The trees were on display during a "Breakfast With Santa" event at Mount Manresa that Ms. Sorkin attended with her children, Ben, 11, and Rebecca, 10.
When the breakfast was over, Ms. Sorkin was told that she could keep the tree. However, Ms. Sorkin is Jewish and wanted to donate the tree to someone in need.
Ms. Sorkin discussed her dilemma with fellow Chamber member Christine Fiorenza of SI Parent magazine, who suggested that Ms. Sorkin contact the Salvation Army to find a needy family.
Another Chamber member, Faith Reel -- who just happens to be special events coordinator for the Salvation Army, arranged to have the tree given to a Staten Island single mother with three children.
Roy Rucci of Rucci Oil Company, a member of both the Chamber and the Salvation Army's advisory board, met Ms. Sorkin and Ms. Reel at Mount Manresa with three employees and a truck to transport the tree to the woman's home just a few days ago.
"The 7-foot tree had to be put onto a truck," Ms. Sorkin said. "It was an adventure getting it there but it definitely was worth it for the family because they were so happy."
Ms. Sorkin had never crafted a themed Christmas tree before, but had always wanted to because she admired what she saw in magazines and various real displays.
"I was watching an 'Alice in Wonderland' video with my kids," Ms. Sorkin said.
"I loved the story ever since I was a child. I thought it would be something magical and special and different for a tree."
To represent the tea party, Ms. Sorkin made cakes out of sponges and decorated disposable plates and spoons with glitter. She strung garlands from playing cards, painted the Cheshire Cat face with a wide grin on paper and further embellished the tree with silk roses painted white and red.

"What a nice feeling to work with fellow Chamber members on such a simple yet joy-invoking gesture," Ms. Faith described. "To think affiliation with the Chamber has brought together these four people to provide some Christmas cheer. From Festival to artist to needy family, this truly is a tree that keeps on giving."

Real Art for all.

There are lots of ways, when it comes to decorating our home or business. Wall murals are probably not one of the first things that spring to mind. However, when you think about it, you can easily see why murals are becoming more popular.



Why not do something different and turn one of the walls into a mural or add a decorative (faux) finish and makeover any space into a masterpiece. This means taking the idea from your mind and putting it on the wall, exactly how you would like it.



This could be a nice panoramic view, a favorite object or even something unique and abstract. Whatever it is it will be something you have thought of, something that is special and dear to you.







Any professional room designer will tell you that it is important to create a focal point for any room. The rest of your room should follow a theme, a color pattern or scheme. A wall mural can be this center piece which grabs your eye, and becomes that conversation piece. In order to decide what you would like designed and painted on your wall, make sure you look at samples or pictures before starting your project. I frequently use favorite magazines or web images for inspiration. This way you can be sure of the picture quality which will work for you. I always consider the longevity of the project, classic versus trendy, subject versus the overall view. This way you can be reassured that you are spending your money wisely on something that you love and not something that is going to be of a substandard quality.







Murals and decorative finishes are not just for the home. If you have business premises that are visited by customers why not have something that will get their attention. Whether you own a spa, a boutique or a restaurant you can have it designed around the products or services that you offer and even ask to incorporate your company name or logo into it.







The ideas behind wall murals can actually be painted onto almost anything so whether the wall is inside or outside you should be able to find a company that can help.





www.dianasmurals.com

Claire Properties

In February 2010 I was commissioned by Claire Bisignano Chesnoff owner of Claire Properties to paint a mural for her new office space. Claire is an experienced and highly professional Realtor in Staten Island with a reputation above the rest. She is knowledgeable in all aspects of the business, and is admired and respected by her peers. Therefore, the painting I was about to design and create had to represent both the owner of Claire Properties and the business of real estate on Staten Island. I have chosen the iconic view of the Verrazano Bridge to span the painting, and to represent Claire’s broad skills and experience. The different types of homes represent the variety of architecture typical to our various neighborhoods. They are whimsically embellished with charming details like swing on the porch, family pet, and newspaper on the stoop or even a colorful hydrant. I have worked on this project with Pat Flanagan of Elegant Options Interiors, therefore the color scheme was thoughtfully coordinated to match and emphasize the bold interior palette. The mural was also custom framed to create an illusion of a large window and to match the interior furnishings. As a final touch, the actual door to Claire’s personal office was faux painted with panels, to imitate a classic, almost reminiscent of a magic door to a fairytale as if from the pages of “Alice in Wonderland”.
Any visitor is sure to admire this unique space in anticipation of purchasing their dream home.