‘The Art of Whimsy’

All photos by Julian Bracero |  @Julianbracero

“As far as I can remember, one of my favorite things to do growing up was lay down in the grass. I’d walk into my backyard, sink my bare feet into the ground, stare at the sky. I’d play with the grass, smell the trees, admire the colors of the flowers and pluck one to put in my hair. It always felt easier to breathe this way, grounded, curious, connected. Not having the words to understand my anxiety just yet, I’d notice my brain finally slowing down, a sense of peace would come over me. 

Inside, I'd watch movies like The Lord of the Rings and other sci-fi or fantasy works,  feeling swept away in the excitement of a fantastical world and escapism. I’d make art, create characters, think of silly ideas, make up stories, laugh, and play. I’d make clothes for my toys out of socks or old clothes. Being creative felt like a place to be safe and free. 

Fast forward to today, this is what “The Art of Whimsy” is about. Finding the relief and wonder that fantasy and nature provides, and bringing that into art. Reconnecting with that curious child-self that feels free to explore and seek whimsy.” -Deanna DiGiulio

Deanna DiGiulio is an illustrative artist based on Long Island. She has been making art her entire life and has always found meaning in the power of creating. Classically trained in the fine arts, her original style was more focused on hyperrealism and capturing great detail. As she got more invested into her art career, hyperrealism began to cause anxiety instead of enjoyment, stressing over every fine detail of what she was creating. With time, she started to explore new styles, taking influence from movements like Art Nouveau, and more modern “online” aesthetics like ‘whimsigoth’ and ‘cottagecore,’. These aesthetics often depicted themes of nature, mythology, fantasy, celestial imagery, and whimsical elements that brought that creative spark back to life for her. 

Deanna is the owner and creator of Earthflow Arts, a creative arts business where she sells her work in the forms of prints, buttons, shirts, sculptures, and more at various local markets, festivals, and events. Deanna has been a vendor for over 6 years and finds deep meaning in finding community in the local art scene, and others connecting with her work. 

In addition to being an artist, Deanna is a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT) and Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). She attended LIU Post for her Bachelor’s Degree in Art Therapy, and in Chicago at Adler University for her Master’s Degree in Counseling and Art Therapy. Her work as a therapist and working in community mental health often informs themes of diversity, growth, and inclusion in her art. Being an art therapist, she believes in how healing the process of art making can be, and the impact that artwork has on others.