Interview with artist Dina Brodsky

Meet Dina Brodsky, an artist that captures everyday scenes in quite a magical way.

Can you introduce yourself to our readers?

I am a painter, a cyclist, a traveler, a reader, and, as of last year, a new mother.

Did you know from an early age that you wanted to be an artist?

No. I started drawing my first semester at university, when I was 18. But, after my first week in a Foundations art class, I knew that this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

If not art, what do you think you would end up doing/becoming?

Before I discovered art, I thought I wanted to be a biologist. I still think there are similarities between the kind of nature-oriented detailed work I ended up doing as a painter, and biology.

What does art represent to you?

It isn’t distinguishable from my personality very much a part of who I am, what I do, and the window through which I see life.

How would you describe your pieces in 3 words?

Compulsive, contemplative, tiny.

What inspires you?

Everything – moments in daily life, the way the morning light falls on a building, the calligraphy of tree branches against the sky, books, overheard conversations. Art is part skill, part magic, and it’s all around us if we just take the time to look.

Moment in your career so far that you are most proud of?

A few months ago I had a two person show with my sister, Maya Brodsky, at Bernarducci Meisel Gallery. Both of us had babies the year before, which changed our lives drastically. I suppose the moment in my career so far that I’m most proud of was continuing to make the artwork that comprised that show, despite of all the changes that motherhood brought.

What would you say are the best and the worst sides of being an artist?

The best: waking up every morning, and knowing that you will be doing what you love. Creating the life that you want, and that allows you to keep making art. The worst: finding financial stability as an artist, which took me years.

If you could have any super-power what would you choose and why?

Being in several places at the same time – life is so short, and incredibly interesting, and I feel like anything worth doing is worth doing full-time.

Any advice for people out there that want to pursue art?

Be persistent. Also, learn the skills you need to express your ideas, whatever those skills may be – drawing, sculpting, knowledge of the digital world. And don’t do it alone – find other artists you like and respect, trade information and ideas, learn from each other and help each other.