Seven-year-old Diana Bortnik is a young artist from the USA of Belarusian origin, holder of Miss Charlotte titles, winner of international art competitions, chess player, gymnast, and volunteer. Her works have already taken part in international exhibitions, and part of the proceeds from the sale of her paintings goes to support children’s education and creativity. In 2027, Diana is expecting an international exhibition in London. We spoke with her about paintings, dreams, friendship, and why a good mood can change the world.
Diana, how did you start painting, and what inspired you to create your first paintings? Do you currently have favorite themes and subjects?
I wanted to make my mom happy. It was a surprise for her. I like to paint and come up with different stories in my paintings.
Now I have a new theme for a collection — “Sunrises.” I have seen sunsets, but the sun wakes up so early that I have never seen a real sunrise. So I decided to study it through paintings. To avoid confusing sunrises and sunsets, I write the time on my works — “am” and “pm.”
You named your first series of paintings "Mood." What emotions and ideas did you seek to convey to people through these works?
So that people would smile more often. So that they would notice beautiful things around them. So that they would believe that a mood can be changed for the better. Because you can go from a bad mood to a good one. And everyone feels better because of it.
Tell us about your solo exhibitions. Which one was the most memorable for you and why?
The very first one. I was waiting for my mom to come home after surgery. While she was away, I arranged my paintings all over the apartment. When my mom returned and saw them, she cried with joy. I remember her smile and those tears very well.
In 2027, an international exhibition in London awaits you. How are you preparing for this event, and what do you plan to show the British public?
I am really looking forward to this trip and practice painting a lot. I want to bring my paintings from the “Mood” series to London because I want English viewers to smile, too, when they look at my works. And now I am also specially preparing new large paintings from the “Sunrises” and “Sunsets” series.
How did you come up with the idea to donate part of the proceeds from selling paintings to support education, creativity, and financial literacy for other children?
I like to paint together with other children. I donated a painting to a museum in Minsk. It is called “Birthday.” My friends colored it together with me. I like it when people do something together.
What does helping other children through your creativity mean to you personally, and how do you see your role in inspiring them to believe in themselves?
I want children to believe in themselves. If someone is good at painting, singing, playing chess, or doing sports, they should try and not be afraid.
In your rules of life, there is the phrase "leadership through service." What does it mean to you?
Probably, it is when you can do something good for other people. To help, be friends, give thanks, and be kind.
You successfully combine art, chess, gymnastics, and volunteering. How do you manage to find a balance between such different areas, and is it easy to keep up with everything?
Sometimes it is hard. I get tired, and I like doing nothing. But that quickly becomes boring. So then I happily do what I love again.
What character traits help you achieve success and victories in such different fields — from the sports mat to the chessboard?
I like to joke. Maybe that helps. When it is fun around and everyone is smiling, it becomes much easier both to train and to think about a chess piece.
What difficulties have you already had to face on your path, and how did you overcome them?
I am still little to understand how to overcome difficulties. My mom helps me. She always hugs me, says kind words, and together we definitely make everything work out.
You hold many awards, including Miss Charlotte titles and National American Miss awards. Which of them are most significant to you?
I like all of them because each one reminds me of something good. But most of all, I like it when my mom, my friends, and people who like my paintings are happy. Their happy smiles are more important to me than any of the most beautiful trophies and medals.
What does it mean to you to be part of the prestigious international community Global Talent Confederation (GTC)?
It is an opportunity to meet new friends from different countries and show my paintings to people all over the world. I really like feeling that we are all one big creative team that makes the world brighter.
How has participating in major national and international competitions influenced your development?
You had better ask my mom this question. She observes me from the side. And I just try my best to perform well, make friends, and enjoy every day.
What goals do you set for yourself for the future, and what advice could you give to other children who are just starting to develop their talents?
I like spending time with my friends. I want to create paintings together with them.
I also want to continue painting, participate in exhibitions, help children, and one day see a real sunrise so that I can paint it later.
