“I grew up in Mt. Airy, NC. I have an art degree from Guilford College, an interior design degree from the Corcoran College of Art & Design, and recently studied at the Art League in Alexandria VA. I have a studio in my home and exhibit my work locally at VAE in Raleigh and The ArtsCenter and Vespertine in Carrboro. I live in Chapel Hill, NC with my husband Peter and our 6-year old daughter, Lauren.
“I am a painter and collage artist. I use a variety of materials in my work to build layered surfaces and create texture. Dress patterns, fabric, found objects, maps, thread, tissue paper, and my own photography are just a few of the items I include in my work. I am process oriented and love going from a blank canvas to the finished product through building out layers of collage and paint until I attain the completed work. I work rapidly, make marks with my fingers and sand the layers smooth when I work. I transfer images to canvas or wood to achieve transparency and let fragments of paper and paint show through.
“I select materials based on what I am drawn to. Vintage magazines, junk mail, wrapping paper, maps and bits of wire can evoke a moment in time when combined with old family photos or my photography of the South. Living in North Carolina and often traveling to the mountains of Virginia, I photograph concrete yard art, rusted cars, water towers, and derelict buildings. Forgotten areas on country roads often lead me to subject matter that feels disturbing and beautiful at the same time.
“My work starts with an idea but is not planned. I like to paint spontaneously and often lay canvases on the floor so I can run and bleed the colors. Currently I am exploring new techniques such as painting on cast off pieces from furniture manufacturing and using various solvents to transfer images.”
Donna has generously donated an original mixed media work to The ArtsCenter’s Silent Auction, on display throughout the month of June in the Nicholson Gallery. To place a bid for this artwork, visit our box office or call us at (919) 929-2787. Bids starting at $100 will be accepted until 5PM on June 28th.
