Chai Style Office: Alexander’s ‘Art of Art’ and Medicine

Dr. Diane Alexander grew up in Portland, Ore., shaped by a close-knit family and immersed in music, ballet, and art classes, and where her artistic inclinations were nurtured.

While playing the cello became a significant part of her life, including in the Yale Symphony Orchestra, she explored her talents through diverse art classes and music festivals.

This gigantic triptych panel, “Bird Room,” by Todd Murphy is the centerpiece of Alexander’s Buckhead Spa entrance.

She recalled, “This upbringing laid the foundation for my lifelong commitment to artistic expression and the seamless integration of that into my medical practice where plastic surgery, in itself, is an art. It’s why I’m so passionate about it as a fusion of medical knowledge, technical skill, precision, and artistry. Drawing from my musical background, I understand the importance of harmony, balance, and nuanced expression. Each patient is a canvas of transformation.”

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Bringing in artists to her Artisan Beauté Spas, like Todd Murphy and Radcliffe Bailey, aligns with Alexander’s own resonation with beauty and harmony. Another captivating addition is that of her artist daughter, Kayla, who constructed an outsized, 300-pound, 10’ x 4’ plaster sculpture.

Left: Diane tracked down this unique tapestry rug, “Achillea,” by Christiaan Lieverse in the Netherlands.

Diane explained, “Kayla casted my hands and arms, my niece’s torso, and another friend’s legs and combined them to arrive at this remarkable female plaster body.”
Take the rare art office tour of two Alexander locations.

Jaffe: How did you get interested in collecting art?
Alexander: That journey traces back to the late ‘80s when my husband, Kent, and I discovered Southern folk art, particularly the enchanting works of Howard Finster. This exploration led us to “pick” art directly from the artists’ homes across the South, adding profound meaning to connecting with the creators. Our encounters with artists like Mose Tolliver, Charlie Lucas, Cybele Gibson, and Lonnie Holley became cherished adventures, forming the foundation of our eclectic art collection.
Continuing this tradition, we’ve befriended incredible artists like the late Todd Murphy, Shanequa Gay, and Joseph Guay. Our collection is diverse, spanning folk and outsider art, photography, and contemporary works mainly by Georgia artists, reflecting our ongoing support for the local community.

While a student at Woodward Academy, Kayla composed this treatment of John Lennon from 600 pages of his biography.

Jaffe: Radcliffe Bailey, who just recently passed away, is a showpiece in many local collections. You found him early on?
Alexander: I was introduced to Radcliffe through Todd Murphy. I discovered not only an extraordinary artist, but a remarkably kind, humble and gracious person. Meeting the person behind the art added significantly to my appreciation of his work. Radcliffe’s art, with its symbolism, and complex layers, textures, and historical depth, goes beyond visual appeal. Each piece becomes a captivating narrative, inviting contemplation. It’s devastating to the art community to have lost both Radcliffe and Todd at such young ages.

Jaffe: What particularly spoke to you about Murphy?
Alexander: Our connection with Todd spans 25 years and began when I fell in love with his dress paintings in several homes. Drawn to his magic, I arranged a studio visit for me, Kent, and our daughter, Kayla. This marked the genesis of a close friendship. I admire how he transformed ordinary objects into art where the simple became magical. Beyond being a celebrated artist, Todd became Kayla’s mentor, a relationship that flourished over the years. He helped her pick her portfolio to gain admission to The Art Institute of Chicago. I vividly recall a poignant moment when Todd sat on the floor with Kayla, then eight, and praised her color schemes! Todd’s kindness and generosity are unmatched. His spirit lives on through the artwork at our home and spas. I’m fortunate to share this with patients.

Daughter, Kayla Alexander, who trained at the Chicago Institute of Art, fashioned this huge, 300-pound plaster sculpture for the Westside location. The back lighting enhances its dramatic effect. Kayla’s piece is 10’ x 4’.

Jaffe: Kayla’s pieces are mind-blowing.
Alexander: Kayla’s journey as a fine artist has been intertwined with our artistic environment and my professional career. Growing up surrounded by art, from Finster’s whimsical Coke bottle to the mesmerizing works of Todd Murphy, likely helped tap into her innate talent. As Kayla’s artistic journey began, grade schoolteachers pulled us aside to kvell over her gift. High school proved pivotal as she flourished under the guidance of Chris Greenway at Woodward. Kayla’s curiosity extended to my work as a plastic surgeon, when she studied my anatomy and surgical textbooks! That likely enhanced the accuracy of her technical portraiture skills. The daily interaction with Kayla’s incredible artwork in the practice and spas adds an extra layer of pride and joy to my professional life.

A petite Dr. Diane Alexander scales a ledge to admire “Peace of Mind” by local, self-taught artist Vando who is known for his Neo-Expressionism in vibrant clashing colors and vowel free words // Photos by Howard Mendel

Jaffe: Do you tie art into travels?
Alexander: The integration of art into travel has become an inseparable part of our adventures. Whether navigating airport security with a human-sized leather sculpture from Turkey during our honeymoon or pursuing an intricate, unique rug/tapestry by Christiaan Lieverse in the Netherlands, each artwork is a tangible reminder of our explorations both at home and abroad.

Jaffe: How does art blend with medicine? 
Alexander: As my career in plastic surgery progressed over the last 23 years, my focus has shifted toward facial rejuvenation. This passion extends to non-invasive aesthetic services and led to the establishment of Artisan Beauté Buckhead, followed by the Westside location.

As a plastic surgeon, I blend the roles of physician, surgeon, and artist. Tissues serve as my canvas, and sutures act as my paintbrush. Plastic surgery represents the perfect fusion of scientific knowledge, technical skill, and artistic expression, engaging both sides of my brain —the left as a physician, the right as an enhancer of beauty. Artisan Plastic Surgery and the two Artisan Beauté Med Spas, designed as art galleries and medical facilities, stand as a testament to my passion for crafting nurturing, healing spaces. My approach to plastic surgery and aesthetics is centered on helping people feel beautiful, vibrant, and healthy inside and out, with the integration of artwork enhancing this transformative process. Recently, we introduced wellness services at the spas, addressing patients’ needs to heal from the inside out and outside in. This encompasses weight and hormone optimization, IV therapies, and peptides, embracing a comprehensive approach to surgery, aesthetics, and well-being.

Below: Basket of straw: Lekha Singh, untitled, “Women Bearing Weight,” series is from the Trotta-Bono contemporary gallery.

Jaffe: Do you have room for more pieces?
Alexander: When I run out of space for art, I might just have to open a new spa!

Jaffe: Last word … If you could wake up tomorrow and have one new piece, it would be:
Alexander: We just went to the Mark Rothko exhibit in Paris … I could only dream of having one of his pieces!