Today we’d like to introduce you to Diane Seimetz.
Diane, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I’ve always loved to make things. Whether it was tiny cakes with an Easy-Bake oven (aqua blue, “baked” with two 150-watt light bulbs!); serpentine scarves crafted with my mother’s old clackety metal needles; Mod Podge plaques, lanyards – you name it, my hands were in it. Ultimately my professional career led me to advertising, where I could be a maker, too, although this kind of work required more head than hands. It’s a demanding business, that doesn’t always leave time for crafty pleasures, but I manage to squeeze them in – usually when the rest of the world is asleep 🙂
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
Mine takes the form of bath, body and apothecary products; while not art, it’s an endeavor that scratches the creative itch. I have Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), an incurable condition where the immune system attacks your own cells. The resulting inflammation can cause an array of symptoms, most commonly joint pain, extreme fatigue and rashes. For many years, the arthritis, wide-ranging skin allergies and exhaustion made any extracurricular activity challenging. Then, in 2009, my husband Pat passed away unexpectedly, and my situation declined rapidly. When I came out of the fog, the reality of being an only parent was a strong impetus to take my health into my own hands – literally. I completely changed my diet – eliminating all animals products – and started reducing exposure to everyday toxins by making most of my own personal care and cleaning items.
Within two years, I was off all medications, and experienced few, if any, symptoms. As an unexpected side-benefit, I found preparing exciting new foods – many of which I’d never eaten growing up – and crafting my own soaps and skin care. Enormously satisfying. Just taking in the healing fragrances of the essential oils infused into my creams, balms and butters inspired me to attempt more challenging, intricate creations. These caught the attention of family, friends and coworkers, who began asking for the same products I prepared for myself. By 2016, I decided to formalize the arrangement and turn my healthy hobby into a small side business. Today, I am a member of the Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Guild, and share my craft at markets, festivals and art fairs throughout the area.
How can artists connect with other artists?
While I spend dozens of hours creating, refining and testing my formulations, I have found some wonderful Facebook affinity groups and online community boards that have been instrumental in my journey. Some take soap making, for example, to a whole new level – creating true works of art. I love that something can be good for you, and beautiful, too.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
Up close and personal! I love handmade markets, because it provides the opportunity to really talk with people about any challenges that might be experiencing, and make recommendations based on those. That’s hard to do in an e-commerce environment. I am particularly fond of the Boho Market at the Dallas Farmer’s Market and The Shacks in Plano, as well as V-Market pop-ups – held at very cool venues throughout DFW frequently throughout the year. It’s always deeply gratifying to see customers – many of whom have become friends – drive a fair distance to buy my products and share their experiences with me. That keeps me going and growing in my work.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2241 Gatsby Way
- Website: http://instagram.com/dseimetz
- Phone: 9726724478
- Email: info@ajoyforever.com
- Instagram: @dseimetz
- Facebook: facebook.com/ajoyforeverbathbody
Image Credit:
Allison David
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
