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Santa Ana Artist Diana Markessinis
From the Old Towne Orange Plaza Rview
January 5, 2011
A strand of rusty pipes, vertical as bamboo, aim towards the sky. Twig-like branches ask for growth, but bare no leaves. Oxidized joints wait for systemic activity, as if it will come. Iron, Barren roots squiggle down toward a nearly-beyond-reach earth.
The environmental art described is the work of Diana Markessinis, a 30-year old Santa Ana artist, who will be recognized in coming weeks by the Santa Ana City Council for a similar, recently installed, piece at the Santiago Park Nature and Wildlife Center on Memory Lane.
Markessinis's steel creation, "Untitled Tree #2," is not a hit-you-over-the-head kind of environmental statement. "It's more subtle than that," says Markessinis. "It does, however, ask for consideration and reflection." Standing nearly 10 feet high, the piece will be soft lit at night to help create shadows on the Nature Center's west wall near and outdoor amphitheater.
It may seem odd that such a statement of nature-in-decline could be an appropriate complement when placed among texturized dry rocks and riparian, drought-tolerant grasses and ground cover surrounding the installation. Markessinis explains that the comforts of natural surroundings like tree canopies, mountains, peninsulas, fresh water rivers and the sound and smell of the ocean provide a logical counterbalance to symbols of industrialism such as pipes and joints.
"The contrast of artificiality and nature often inspires me when I create art," she says. "What natural and industrial environments have in common and what makes them different can promote creative conversation and expression," says the artist, who enjoys living in an industrial area of Santa Ana.
To help ease physical strain resulting from creating large, heavy, metal sculptures, Markessinis developed a strong commitment to yoga. "Yoga keeps me balanced and feeling at my best," she says. Over the years, practice evolved into professional instructions for Markessinis, who also offers weekly yoga classes.
markessinis was the featured artist in a recent exhibition, "Works on Paper," which closed on November 30, 2010 at Haute Cakes Caffe of 17th Street in Newport Beach (Costa Mesa). To see more of Diana's work please go to www.dianamarkessinis.com
