Collector Spotlight: Seattle Real Estate Broker and Business Coach Diane Terry on Commissioning Custom Artwork
“I had followed Melanie Biehle’s career on Instagram for some time and knew that I really loved her work. We started our bathroom remodel during Covid and when the room was complete I knew I wanted a special piece of art for one wall. I originally bought a piece by a California artist I discovered on Tappan. It was fine, but it also made my heart sink every time I walked into the room. Then one day I saw a post about some art Melanie had done and thought THAT is what I want, but with just the lightest touch of this blush incorporated to complement the tiles in our renovation. Although I have collected art for decades I had never commissioned anyone for a bespoke piece. I certainly did not want to insult Melanie and tell her it was for a bathroom, regardless of how special! At the time she had a very informative article on how to commission a bespoke painting. It removed the intimidation factor. Melanie could not have been more lovely or easier to work with. We exchanged photos and thoughts by email and in short order my art work arrived. It is absolutely perfect. Every time I see it, my shoulders relax and I take a deep breath and I feel good! Thank you!”
— Diane Terry
It’s been too long since I’ve shared a Collector Spotlight interview! Today we’re talking with Diane Terry, who after being on my mailing list for several years reached out to commission her very own custom painting.
Diane’s custom painting was based on Window Seat. I don’t attempt to accurately recreate a painting, but instead use the original as the point-of-reference for a new piece. That way each painting contains it’s own bit of uniqueness.
You have two impressive careers — a Managing Broker in real estate and a Business Coach for women entrepreneurs. How do these two roles intersect or complement each other?
I have sold real estate in Seattle for well over 30 years now. I love it because I love problem solving and people. I am very fortunate to have what we call in our industry a “deep” business — a lot of repeat and referral based business. Many of my clients met me when I was carrying my daughter around in her car seat and now she is in her 30s!
When COVID happened I realized I had put my Plan B off long enough. I have a passion for deep conversation and helping people see their own power to move the needle ahead. In the real estate industry we are taught about forms, legal issues, and how to sell, but not about the nuts and bolts of people. Tara Mohr’s Playing Big was a game changer for me. I felt every word of that book and I felt the importance of her message. Then a few years later I discovered Modern Elder Academy and got certified as a Transitions Coach.
Each role requires deep listening skills and helping to move people from point A to point B, so it has felt very seamless and integral.
Thinking about your background in real estate as well as your personal experience, how do you think art influences the way people feel in a home?
Art absolutely influences how someone feels about a home. In staging a home for sale, art has to elevate a space to be interesting and aspirational but never intimidating. The art must work in tandem with the price point or it can be off putting.
For example, I had a listing on Queen Anne many years ago where the home owner had original Remington statues and paintings. He did not want to move out and stage the home. The problem was that the buyer demographic was young and affluent. They felt like they were walking into their grandparent’s home and could not relate to the space because of all the art. When I finally convinced him to follow my suggestion and move out, the stager neutralized the home and used art that was much more approachable and relatable to a wider demographic. We got multiple offers in two days. Conversely, you cannot go to market with poster art and baskets on the wall and hope for top dollar. So there is a balancing act that takes place with each listing.
It’s so interesting to think about art in that way!
We recently worked together on a painting for your home. What inspired you to commission a custom piece and what was the process like for you?
Yes! It was one of the best things I did in 2024!
We had just finished remodeling our bathroom so we could age in place. I wanted to show that ADA compliant could still be elegant and beautiful.
I
originally bought a piece from Tappan. It wasn’t right and it bummed me out every day I had to look at the piece. I then saw your work that was being shown at Çapers in West Seattle. I saw the perfect piece minus a swish of pale blush. Lisa Meyer encouraged me to call you and just have you create a bespoke piece for me. I just didn’t want you to be insulted that it was for my bathroom.
You were as warm and approachable as a person could ever be. It was done so quickly and just perfection. Every time I see it my shoulders relax and I sigh at how perfect it is. It calms me and gives me a tremendous sense of peace. So thank you!
If you could share one piece of advice with women balancing multiple roles or careers, what would it be?
Ah! Yes! That would be to stop looking left and right and practice stillness. To live a life of less urgency and more intention. Most women are just jumping from one dumpster fire to another to keep our heads above water and wonder why they are depleted.
In my life before real estate, I was in Logistics moving cargo containers on the rails and onto vessels. I approach my life with some of the same skills I learned there. Systematize 75-80% of what are repeatable, predictable events and leave 25-30% to be really creative and juicy with. Too many days are spent where the water is whirling like a cyclone. We cannot see our purpose or live with intention unless we bake in silence and stillness so the waters can calm down and show us clarity.
I love quiet. I love that even the roaring waves of the ocean have a beat of quiet before they go back out again. I am very tuned into my own rhythm and try to plan my days and weeks accordingly. If I do any public speaking or workshops, I know I cannot commit to anything that evening because I will be wiped out. I am an ambivert that needs to refuel before I can be my best out there. So that would be my advice. I guess that was more than one thing!
Thank you so much for your time and support, Diane! I’m so glad that you love the painting. I know that commissioning a work of art can feel a bit intimidating sometimes and I aim to make collectors feel comfortable during the process.
We have emotional connections with our art — whether it’s just being intensely drawn to a piece or the way a painting reminds you of a place or time in your life that you love. If you own one of my paintings, I would love to learn more about your connection with it. If you have a story to share about your art, please reach out to me at melanie@melaniebiehle.com.
To stay in touch and receive links to new blog posts, be sure to sign up for my art newsletter, Notes From The Studio. You’ll also receive first look at new painting collections and a special gift when you subscribe.