Meet NYC-based Artist Diana Foronda
Diana Foronda is an NYC-based TV and film professional (website). If you want to read one of her scripts, my award-winning horror/comedy/sci-fi script CandyByte is now available on Amazon!
CATHOLIC ARTIST CONNECTION: What brought you to NYC, and where did you come from?
DIANA FORONDA: Born and raised on Long Island, NY. I grew up commuting to the city a lot and have been living on Long Island throughout my life until college. Around 2013 - 2017, I went to an all women's college called Hollins University in Roanoke, VA. During my summer internships, I've been bouncing back and forth with NY and VA. After graduating college, I've been living in NY.
How do understand your vocation as a Catholic artist? Do you call yourself a Catholic artist?
I don't consider myself a "Catholic artist" because most of my work is based on personal experience meets an existing film/TV show. However, I acknowledge my faith as a Roman Catholic and the religious holidays. I develop background stories for my characters that are living in their world as non-religious or as a Roman Catholic. Some scripts I've wrote/currently writing are about religion (with little to no context). Whether it's spiritual (CandyByte), love (Chasing Love), or reality life (Sullivan's Saint Angels).
Filming-wise, my upcoming iPhone short film is about “woman vs. God/the world,” but a bit experimental. My personal mission as a Roman Catholic working in the arts is to break boundaries in storytelling, something that we can relate to in our lives (relationships, religion, career, etc.), but with a little twist.
How can the Church be more welcoming to artists?
The church should acknowledge artists in the media by providing events for filmmakers, like social events/screenings, a retreat, or even hosts events about saints in the arts we can pray to and connect.
How can the artistic world be more welcoming to artists of faith?
The artistic world should understand that not all artists of faith work on projects that are only "Catholic-focused." Some artists of faith work on their scripts or their films that have little or no relation to the Bible, or are just something they've experienced going to church or seeing a church scene in an existing TV show or film. However, some artists of faith have a work of art that represents Jesus, God, the Saints, the Bible, etc. It all comes to the artists and how to welcome both worlds of the arts and religion.
Where in NYC do you regularly find spiritual fulfillment?
St. Patrick's Cathedral is one of my favorites because of its architecture and scenery. Additionally, the St. Pat's Young Adult Mass social events are fun as well. I plan to attend the Arthouse2B event and look forward to meeting Catholic artists there.
Where in NYC do you regularly find artistic fulfillment?
For film groups: Pano Network; Sundance Co//ab; Women Weekend Film Challenge
For writing groups: Meditative Writing
For getting out of your comfort zone, whether for your artistic career or looking to meet new fellow artists, I highly recommend joining a Yes Theory NY Group. Yes Theory is based on a YouTube Channel with the meaning "Seek Discomfort."
What is your daily artistic practice?
Two-three days a week, I work on my editing social media projects for Pano Network as I work for them as an editor for a side gig. Some days I look for a full-time job in the film & TV industry or anything with a production/post-production position. Sometimes I'm free during the week, but mainly during the weekends, I write my scripts. Then, depending on what story comes to my mind, I grab my notebook and write while listening to music that fits my script.
What are your top 3 pieces of advice for Catholic artists moving to NYC?
1. Find your connections. Attend a networking event, meet people, and connect with fellow artists.
2. If you're struggling to find jobs or have been recently unemployed, pray to St. Joseph for employment.
3. Always come up with a backup plan and think positive!