BIOGRAPHY
Donna's travels over the past 25 years have provided a starting point for design work. Since living internationally in Iran and the UK, and taking advantage of the proximity of Europe to travel extensively, she has been exploring handwork through various arts and crafts since returning to Canada. Through the Bow Valley Calligraphy Guild (Calgary) she became involved in book arts. But with the completion of the City & Guilds program in Embroidery and Design, she has been thrown into the world of textiles and all forms of needlework and, most importantly for her, the component of design. She is now drawing on her previous (and current) travels for inspiration in her work.
ARTIST STATEMENT
I have always enjoyed making
art in various mediums. Although I started working with paper and its various
forms (bookmaking being my favourite) I have recently completed a four-year
program which has introduced to me
to textiles. This course covered the "how to" of every embroidery technique
while encouraging a
contemporary approach by combining multi-methods. The design component that was concurrently taught opened up a
world of possibility to me. Opening
our eyes to the world around us and adapting 'anything' into a viable design has
been one of the most satisfying
parts of this experience.
One thing I have learnt over the past four years is my passion for texture - I
find I am
always drawn to a touchable
surface. One that involves the senses. I enjoy the play of light, the layers of colours, the
juxtaposition of combining different
tactile fibres and strive to always present a visual feast for the viewer.