Artist Di Pereira — Artsy Scoop

photo by: mouty shackelford

If you’re like me and you hang out with artists and art enthusiasts on a regular basis, you will inevitably hear someone say, “The very best art is the type that elicits a reaction” or some version of that sentiment. The idea, of course, is that it doesn’t really matter if your work is showered with praise or vilified as an affront to humanity, just so long as it doesn’t fall somewhere in between.

What’s important is that you and your work have provoked a conversation, a reaction. That’s the true measure. Therefore, to a creator, the absolute worst response would be…ambivalence. An uninspired shrug of the shoulders, an under-the-breath mumbling of ‘I don’t get it’ before moving on, and similar disinterested behaviors are what most artists should fear above all else, if you subscribe to this idea. In my experience with this artist, and the work she creates, I don’t believe that sort of unambiguity will ever be a problem for Di Pereira.

Mrs. Pereira, a.k.a. Lady Di, a.k.a Red Milk Crone, is one of those rare creatives who possesses massive talent, the ability to generate a copious amount of work in a short amount of time, and a wonderfully feisty attitude that instantly informs you that she doesn’t give two shits if you like her work or not, just as long as you have an opinion.

Lady di (courtsey of artist)

“It’s art, ya know?

If some people didn’t hate it,

I didn’t do my job.”

- Pajama Monsters Mural Documentary, Sundance Square (YouTube)

Over the past year, I have heard numerous people praise her works, while others complain (sometimes loudly) about her interesting, yet polarizing style and subject matter. In a few cases, I’ve been present to witness people cringe while viewing some of her more ‘thought-provoking’ pieces and I’ve watched others intentionally ignore her presence. Di’s pieces certainly generate a lot of varied opinions, but at the end of the day, these opinions lead to talking, and talking leads to buzz. And there is no denying that Di is currently a buzzworthy artist who is selling her work like hot cakes.

Like most artists, her ‘overnight success’ was years in the making, but it has to be said that not every artist has experienced the trajectory of success like she has. Over the course of 2022, her work has been shown at a multitude of galleries, she has participated in The Other Art Fair, and Fort Worth’s premier festival of local arts, Arts Goggle. She was commissioned to create seven murals in downtown Fort Worth’s Sundance Square which put her work on the map in a big way. All of this exposure has given Di a sizable backlog of commissions. Even with those commitments, she still manages to create some thought provoking pieces, such as the 8-foot-long sculpture titled AVE MARIA at Arts Fort Worth that depicts a vessel that bleeds and demands respect.

In addition to her paintings and murals, Lady Di recently launched a new book titled, “Sipping Moon Tea” that includes stories, poems and even a few recipes by her witch alter ego. Yes, you read that correctly ~ Di’s witch persona is also documented on Instagram @thewitchtype. This might seem out of left field, but the first time I met her at one of her art openings, Di told me she was a practicing witch, and even owned a brick-and-mortar store to serve fellow witches with a variety of products, herbs and crystals. Due to her rising success as an artist, she was forced to close the shop, now exclusively filling her time working on creating and showing her work.

Di is a hustler, and I mean that in the most flattering way possible. She is constantly showing her work somewhere, creating new pieces in her studio, and showing up in the community to support others. Her personality is delightfully quirky, and she’s not the least bit shy about throwing out a bevy of colorful curse words when she is speaking.

di's new book. avail on blurb.com

Blame it on my fairly strict upbringing, but I tend to be quite reserved about cursing when talking to people, but Di will let her f-bombs fly at will, and I just love that about her. Truthfully, I’m inspired by Di’s passion, will power and drive. One thing is for sure, this artist is here to stay! And for all my collectors out there, her work has already appreciated in value with all the recognition she’s received, so I suggest snagging one of her originals soon!

For more about Di, current shows and commissions >> click here <<