otherwise incur an expense for removal will call and ask if I am interested in taking them. I am happy to provide that service in exchange for materials. It benefits both parties and leads to more long-term business relationships. VKC: What your favorite piece you have cre- ated up to this point? Diana: The most memorable piece, so far, was a bed I made out of pallets, oak and cork. The bed has a lighted headboard with little shelves — it turned out amazing. I made it for my son when he moved into his first house. I delivered it and set it up, he was genuinely surprised by how nice it turned out.
VKC: Why did you start Diana Parrino Fine Art & Design?
Diana: I started making functional fine art out of simple economy, and a need to transform the material elements around me into appreci- ated works of art. The first installment I created was with shipping pallets. It was a three-story loft/riser/closet when finishing my studio. It seemed to be a bigger attraction than the art I was making and became a natural extension of my work. The first piece I created was a table to paint on and house supplies, when people began inquiring about price, I began offering to build custom pieces for the public. I very much enjoy the idea of creating things that people can utilize. These items add dimension to my body of work and expand my market as well.
VKC: What do you love about working in Kansas City?
VKC: Why repurpose materials?
Diana: Kansas City is an amazing place! I have really enjoyed seeing our city grow and I would like to be a part of that expansion. I have had a studio in the West Bottoms for ten years, and I am open to the new opportu- nities that are developing in this city. ^
Diana: The materials I use are almost all repur- posed, from art supplies to building materials. The pallets I am known for using come from a network of supportive individuals — small business owners and homeowners who would
TOP: Paintings are showcased around the creative space, where every- thing is for sale. LEFT: Every open space is used in Diana’s workspace—either for storage or display. RIGHT: A table showcasing both popular mediums—corks and wood. BOTTOM: Diana’s creative style is even showcased in her scrap storage.
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