Biophilic Art & Design
Moss Beach Landing
“There is great aliveness in Diane Epstein’s Fresco Photography/ Biophilic Art with her innate ability to capture the spirit and soul of nature. The layering of colors and images are dynamic, offering the feeling of shifting rays of sunlight, swaying treetops and fluttering fauna. Diane leaves the space to imagine, to expand and to understan our interconnectedness to a world much greater than ourselves. We evolved as a species in a biocentric environment and mounting research supports that incorporating nature into our lives, directly and indirectly, can promote healing, wellbeing and reduce stress. ”
“THE PRACTICE OF BIOPHILIC DESIGN
By Stephen Kellert and Elizabeth Calabrese
A SENSE OF SECURITY
CONNECTION COHERENCE
EXPERIENCE OF SPACE AND PLACE:
* Prospect and refuge
* Transitional spaces (ie. thresholds, colonnades, courtyards)
* Mobility and Way-finding
* Cultural and ecological attachment to place
* Organized complexity
* Integration of parts to whole
INDIRECT EXPERIENCES OF NATURE:
Natural geometries and patterns
Naturalistic shapes and forms
* Images of nature
* Simulating natural light and air
* Age, change and the patina of time.”
Biophilic Gallery
“I am moved to photograph that which is beautiful, luminous, and life enhancing in nature, bringing the outdoors inside, making the interior space come to life. My greatest desire is to inspire, delight, and celebrate the vitality and healing qualities of the natural world utilizing Fresco Photography and mixed-media art. My latest art evolution involves transforming the corporate workspace and healthcare environment to divide, enhance, and adorn the space to support optimal connection, healing and creativity.
My aim is to infuse the qualities of nature into regenerative workspace and healing environments. After returning to California from two decades in Italy, I am witnessing the cultural impact of Americans spending their lives indoors, feeling unsafe, disconnected and yearning for a healthier life. Through my Biophilic Art I can do my part in bridging the gap from isolation to connection, from fear and dis-ease to a deeper love and appreciation of all living things. In this new reality where people are craving real connection, creating environments that bring people to together matter more than ever.
I am experimenting with new printing and installation techniques that transform entire spaces by creating environments that connect people with each other and nature, utilizing space solutions that are not only functional, but also evoke curiosity and provide a sense of refuge. I am interested in projects and collaborations related to Biophilic Design and WELL / LEED Architecture that have a greater impact for those who work, live or visit the building where the art and design are integrated into the space, based on collaboration, functional needs, and the development of return-to-work incentives.”
Diane Epstein
Biophilia
[ bī-ō-ˈfēl-yə\]
“love of life and all living beings”; “humanity’s innate tendency to focus on life and lifelike processes,‘’ and to be drawn toward nature, to feel an affinity for it, a love, a craving.”
Coined by Erich Fromm in The Heart of Man: Its Genius for Good and Evil (1964) Extended by Edward O. Wilson in Biophilia (1984) and Natalie Angier (2002)
“Curating a sensory-rich spirit of place, honoring our human-nature bond and the innate, visceral, natural affinity and yearning for love and aliveness - expressed and cultivated through the shape and soul of our story and the patina of time”
Expanded definition by Diane Epstein (2022)
““Diane’s art and presence are both enchanting, deep and timeless, with a connection to both ancient wisdom and present illumination. Her artful genius is an invitation to a realm of peace and possibilities all around us, both grounding and expansive. Before creating large-scale fresco murals and other biophilic art, Diane offers practical guidance and experiential techniques and wisely facilitated conversations, creating an intentional space that uplifts innovation, connection and community and to help clarify creative and business visions, so her art truly is inclusive, and has the end-user in mind.”