Dianne Hayes Quarles

 

Dianne Hayes Quarles is a life-long designer and crafter.  She began sewing and designing at the age of four.  For many years she was blessed to be able to turn her avocation into her vocation as a Home Economist teaching Clothing, Fashion Design, and Textile Arts.  She has over 20 years of experience in education, management, training, and design.

 

In 2000 Dianne teamed with her sister, Marcella Hayes Muhammad, a fine artist, to form Maruva DQ, Inc., a fine art and art licensing company.  Dianne always dreamed of working with her sister and designing products for her art.  She made that dream a reality through art licensing with numerous license agreements for Marcella’s art on calendars, gift cards, wallpaper borders, gift soap and other products.  She also created a line of fine art designer handbags. 

 

Dianne also expresses her artistic talent in jewelry design and polymer clay art.  In 2001, Dianne began designing beaded jewelry under the tutelage of her mother.  When she discovered the versatility of polymer clay, she began experimenting with various faux looks.  She has developed many faux finishes including Faux-tastic Opals, faux cloisonné and faux enamel that are often mistaken for the real thing.  Her work was recognized with an award from the National Polymer Clay Guild.  Dianne’s favorite jewelry collection, Muses of the African Diaspora, which celebrate the beauty of women of African decent, has been exhibited in museums and juried art shows.  The hand sculpted faces are set into free form faux cloisonné designs accented with faux opal and freshwater pearls. 

 

As the daughter of a former Tuskegee Airman and career Air Force officer, Dianne grew up traveling the world.  Dianne learned French and German. Her love for travel as an adult has taken her and her husband to several African countries.  This exposure gives Dianne an international perspective which has greatly influenced her designs.

 

Dianne earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English and a Master’s Degree in Home Economics.  She lives with her husband in Decatur, Georgia and has two sons.

 

 Artist Statement

 

“I express my artistic talent through jewelry design, polymer clay art, and fashion design.  I primarily use freshwater pearls, semi-precious stones and polymer in my jewelry designs.  My jewelry style is a mix of casual elegance and funky fun.  Why wear jewelry if no one notices it?

I don’t like being garish, but I like my work to be noticed” 

 

 

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