D;E

Diya Elisha | Fine Arts Portfolio

Winter's Embrace

Oil on canvas, 11"x14"

Created in the early stages of the artist’s formal training, this atmospheric winter landscape marks a pivotal moment of clarity and connection. Though composed for an academic assignment, the piece carries a charged stillness and quiet depth that emerged instinctively. Deep layering and atmosphere conjure a scene that feels less observed than remembered—half memory, half apparition. It has since served as a visual anchor in the artist’s portfolio, symbolizing a first moment of confidence, presence, and voice.

Lonely; not Alone

Oil on canvas, 24"x30"

A self-directed exploration of surveillance, vulnerability, and the yearning for solitude. What began as a reflection on loneliness evolved into a portrait of someone lonely but never truly alone—watched, judged, and slowly undone by years of scrutiny. Set in the artist’s childhood room, the adult figure curls into herself beneath a desk, a hiding place once used to escape overwhelming attention and emotional erasure. Her gaze meets the viewer’s, unflinching and accusatory; as if to say, “You’re complicit, too.” This painting confronts the tension between the desire for invisibility and the impossibility of ever fully retreating from the perception of others.

The Willow Tree

Oil & acrylic on canvas, 16"x20"

Painted as a tribute to the artist’s mother, 'The Willow Tree' captures the vitality and emotional resonance of a beloved part of nature. With loose, expressive brushwork and a vivid green palette, the piece leans into impressionism, favouring atmosphere and feeling over precision. The central figure—a willow swaying in motion—is mirrored in water below, anchoring the otherwise lush abstraction in a sense of place. Through spontaneous execution (and liberal use of a palette knife) the composition reveals careful form and quiet reverence, inviting the viewer into a space of memory and peace.

Diya Elisha is a contemporary fine artist based in Ontario, currently completing her third year of art school in a multidisciplinary program. With a primary focus in painting, her work also includes sculpture, photography, and drawing; often blending traditional technique with personal narrative.Diya’s creative practice began with storytelling through writing, long before visual art took the lead. After completing a one-year certificate at Sheridan, she committed fully to her path as a visual artist—a decision that continues to shape her work and sense of self.Her work explores themes of emotion, beauty, and narrative. Whether through figurative studies or layered, personal compositions, she invites viewers to slow down, look closely, and engage with presence.She signs her work “D;E”—a quiet marker of identity, intention, and expression.

Artist Statement

My work explores the nuances of beauty, intense emotion, and narrative—visual storytelling steeped in feeling. Themes like love, fear, and longing unfold across mediums, led by intuition and curiosity. While my studies focus on technique, my personal work aims to evoke something deep-rooted and ancient.I want viewers to pause. To look. To feel. Whether stepping into a story or holding a quiet moment, my intention is to offer a breath—a space to reflect, connect, or simply be.The medium is fluid. I primarily paint with water-soluble oils, but I also work in sculpture, photography, and drawing. Each piece begins with a feeling or idea, and I follow it. Sometimes with intention, sometimes in full surrender to the moment and to something larger.For me, art is a spiritual act: a form of communion, a way of listening, a way of moving closer to the Divine. I aim to channel something larger than myself and offer it outward. Ultimately, I create because it heals me. Sharing it is my way of reaching out and connecting with the world.

A selection of gesture drawings, water-soluble oil studies, and anatomical explorations. Ranges from rapid studies to developed works that focus on accurately capturing the human form.

Paintings

Photography

A series of quiet moments and personal observations, from landscapes to portraits of the artist’s dog and cat. These images reflect a quiet attention to atmosphere, light, and emotional tone.

Contact & Links

Diya Elisha

Diya Elisha is a contemporary fine artist based in Ontario, currently completing her third year of art school in a multidisciplinary program. With a primary focus in painting, her work also includes sculpture, photography, and drawing; often blending traditional technique with personal narrative. For collaborations or opportunities, feel free to get in touch below.

© Diya Elisha (D;E) 2025