All About Rawan Ita-Diaz

Meet Artist Rawan Ita-Diaz

Rawan Ita-Diaz is a Detroit-based creative with a Master’s Degree from Lawrence Technological University in Architecture & Design. She works in artistic and architectural capacities to represent people with diverse-abilities and create a more inclusive culture. In 2017, she was struck by an SUV while walking across a parking lot and her life was never the same. Rawan’s permanent injuries cause her to struggle with mobility and endure pain every day. She fell into depression and needed to find purpose in new circumstances. She discovered a form of therapy through art. To create, Rawan persists through the pain and finds emotional healing while painting. Whether she paints with alcohol ink, watercolor, or acrylic, the art process sends her to a place of safety, relief, and pure bliss. She paints the good, the bad, and the truths of life through what she calls Project TheraPaint, her blog and art business. Rawan’s experience with trauma and solitude encouraged her to seek help and in turn, support others. 

 In 2020, she co-founded The Art Spread, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting artists who experience physical, mental, and societal challenges. She represents those who feel lost and helpless, just as she did. Her hope is that people can experience her emotionally evoking paintings and know that they do not endure alone. Rawan’s story is told through her artwork in exhibitions and publications throughout the world.

A statement from Rawan…

Art found me in 2017 after a traumatic and life-changing event. Resulting in lasting injuries, I lost my strength and independence. I felt hopeless and unworthy. All I had worked for came to a startling halt and I was forced to adjust to this new version of my life. I was desperate to find ways to cope with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. I began exploring creative outlets that my body could physically tolerate. One day, I found an artist who splashed paint around from large cups which did not require much use of fine motor skills. I began making mess after mess and fell in love with the process! Expressing my most vulnerable moments onto canvas was the best form of therapy for me. Art made me feel safe again. Faith gave me perseverance. Painting gave me purpose. My work is a raw expression of my life experiences. Some pieces are haunting. Some are joyous. Each piece has a story to tell. As my artistry grows, my hope is that others may connect with my work and find inspiration through their own journey.

Artist Interview – Rawan Ita-Diaz

Rawan shares about her recent success and how hard it was to achieve it. She was introduced to art as her way to cope and heal. She was interviewed by Nadin Said to tell us a little more about herself

“What was your most challenging piece and why?”

‘Overcomer’ was my most challenging piece for a couple of reasons. This painting is of a lion, which is not typically the type of work I create. I love challenging myself and growing my skillset. I was up for it and am very glad that I took on the challenge. My client and I were very happy with the way Overcomer exudes strength and beauty. As I progressed, the piece revealed more and more meaning to me.

‘Overcomer’ was the first piece that I painted after my dad’s death. It was the hardest piece to complete because I thought of him so much during the creation. My dad was a large part of my artistry and success. The timing was perfect for this commission since the lion was my father’s favorite animal. I felt like I was also painting this piece for him. While sketching the lion, all I could think of was how much he would have loved it as a reflection of his favorite animal, with hints of our Chaldean cultural referenced. When it was time to pick up the paint brush, I couldn’t help myself…I had an emotional breakdown. I cried and cried. I felt like I couldn’t touch the painting again. After some time, I calmed myself and found the courage to face the lion. By the end, I loved and appreciated the emotional healing this piece brought.

The opportunity to paint ‘Overcomer’ was the push I needed to get back into my art practice. Since then, I’ve been able to paint regularly and honor my father through art instead of hiding from it.

“What message are you trying to convey in your work?”

My pieces tell the story of my life – the good, the bad, and the truth. Painting is a very personal and therapeutic process for me. I think that people can understand me when they look at my artwork. People will look at my painting and tell me how it makes them feel. Typically, they describe what I felt while making the piece. Connecting with strangers through raw expression reminds me that although we experience different things, we can feel the same emotions.

“What emotions do you experience as you create art?”

I feel a range of emotions while I create art. I am an empath, which means I feel many emotions and feel them very deeply. When I paint, it is a way for me to let out those feelings that are deep in my mind and in my heart. I paint the joy, hope, and excitement I feel. I also paint to cope with sadness, anxiety, and desperation I feel. Painting and feeling are one in the same for me.

“What are your three go-to materials for making art?”

My three go-to materials depend on my setting. When I am painting en plein air, I’m grabbing a watercolor palette, charcoal pencils, and a small watercolor pad. When I am painting in my studio, it’s all about the acrylic paint, large mop brush, and pre-stretched canvas!

“In your studio, do you listen to music or a podcast while you create? Or do you prefer silence?”

Music, music, music. I have Spotify playlists dedicated to my painting sessions. Some of the music is chill and upbeat like The Exes, Florence + the Machine, and Vera Blue. Some is very Moody like Bon Iver, Meg Mac, and Banks. If I am working on an uplifting series, I might play Ingrid Michelson. If I need a good cry while I create, Chelsea Cutler would be on the list. The type of music I paint to usually coincides with the mood that I am in and what I want to convey through my art.

“How can we support you?”

You can support me by staying in touch! Subscribe to my newsletter to chat about all things life and art. You can also shop and share my artwork so that I can continue to grow my artistry. Feel free to reach out to me about your journey. I look forward to connecting with you further!

Art Blog: ProjectTheraPaint.com | Instagram: Project.TheraPaint | Email: rita@ProjectTheraPaint.com

Make a difference to our artists with your tax-deductible purchase.
Shop Rawan’s art: