While many 16-year-olds are heading back to school and possibly beginning to think about college, Queen Creek’s Dimitra Milan is focusing on creating pieces of art that capture the attention of collectors around the world. “I paint the dream that's deep in my heart, to inspire others, to make them feel like they can do anything," Milan says. "I want my art to shine light on a bright future; stir passion, love, confidence, hope, and serenity." We asked Milan a few questions about her work; you can see more of her paintings at the bottom of this story.
How did you begin your painting career?
I began painting when I was 12 at an art school my parents had just opened, the Milan Art Institute. They taught everything: classical oil techniques, drawing, abstract/mixed media and collage. I learned many of my skills from them. My parents were a major factor for me advancing into my art career; they helped pave the way. They are professional artists themselves. It wasn't until I took their portfolio class that I figured out my lifelong passion would be art. Somewhere along the way in that class, I found my voice as an artist. I realized creating these surreal atmospheres with dreamlike qualities, and telling a story, was something unique.
How do you describe your painting style, and how has it changed over the years?
My painting style has definitely evolved over the past few years, and it really changed the most within the last year. The more I paint, the more I learn and perfect my skills. I would say my artwork could be called abstract surrealism, painted loosely but accurate. I have fun bringing my imagination into real life. I feel as if each piece becomes something living as I paint it. It says something, evokes questions, and it moves people.
Do you ever travel to get inspiration, and if so, what's your favorite spot in Arizona to visit and paint?
Traveling definitely brings new inspiration. Europe, and particularly Greece, are my favorite places to travel. I have lived in Arizona for most of my life, and I find its desert climate also very beautiful. I enjoy being outdoors, in nature, and working on my photography. I love hiking in the Superstitions and the San Tan Mountains.
What else inspires you and your artwork?
I'm inspired by what is beautiful and genuine. I'm inspired to paint the unseen things from a distant place and bring them near and familiar. I paint animals in my artwork, believing they can represent something deeper. For example, a tiger can be a symbol of confidence, boldness and being true to who you really are. For every person, the meaning will change. I paint women and animals together, to create a story that we connect to and for that to mean something different unique to each of us.
What is your favorite piece of artwork?
It’s hard to choose a favorite artwork of mine, because it changes all the time. There have always been a few that really stood out to me. Ascending Vision is one I really love. It's of a girl with a rhinoceros at her side and snowy mountains inside them. I felt that this painting's message was really powerful. As I stared at it finished, the meaning came to me. It was about expanding your vision and conquering those mountains, not letting anything stop you from reaching the heights.
How did you begin combining your art with helping charities?
When I was 12 years old, we found out that our friend's daughter had cancer. She was the same age as me. My friends and I were always praying for her, and my mom would keep me updated on how she was doing. She ended up losing her life. Her mom started an organization called Comfy Cozys for Chemo. She makes specially designed T-shirts for people during chemotherapy, while they have very sensitive skin. It was her daughter's invention. Her mom asked me one year later to paint live at their charity event for Comfy Cozys and donate the piece. The painting was sold that night in the live auction. I've been donating to them ever since.
— Kirsten Kraklio
To learn more about Dimitra Milan and her art, visit her website.