Born in Zimbabwe, Africa, Diana Dabinett studied for a BA (Fine Arts) at the University of Cape Town, worked as a high school teacher in Zimbabwe and England, emigrated to London, Ontario, and worked as an Assistant Curator in Education in the Public Art Gallery. In 1975 she moved to Newfoundland where she continues her work as a full-time visual artist. She is inspired by the natural environment, works in hand-painted dyes on silk, watercolour and acrylic to create individual pieces as well as installation exhibitions. She lives in Shoe Cove, Newfoundland with her husband Patrick, and Pebble, the cat.
