About THE ARTIST

    Hello, my name is Talia Dinger. I graduated in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts from Colby-Sawyer College. I have been drawing since I could hold a pencil, it has always been a passion of mine. I typically work in acrylic paint but like to break away and try something new from time to time. It mostly depends on the concept I’m trying to portray. I work with themes involving mental health. I started using this as a signature theme for myself to discover and reflect on feelings that I have or have had in the past. I was overwhelmed with situations that were happening. They were affecting my action and my thought process. so, I started to use art as a healthy outlet for myself. 

    I make my art to help myself. It helps my emotions go into something that is healthy for me. It helps me understand where these thoughts and emotions come from, why I feel that certain way and how I come to terms with them. Since these aren’t emotions we typically express, I believe it might help others too. I think it helps people see that others think and feel this way as well and see that they aren’t alone and shouldn’t have to feel alone or ashamed.

I have noticed that not a lot of artists reach the limits as I do. The topic of mental health is sensitive and makes people uncomfortable. People tend to bury what they think or feel because it's often a taboo subject. We are told that these emotions make us weak and sensitive, but to me, sharing these emotions make you brave. These types of concepts make me uncomfortable too, don’t get me wrong. These ideas are personal to me, they make me feel vulnerable and exposed. I don’t want to share these feelings, but my need to feel better about myself is greater than my fear. Making this type of art gives me reassurance. Maybe it's not okay now, but later it will be. It helps me remember that things will get better, but to make it better, I have to get uncomfortable.