Nourishing Light Exhibit

Displays September 30, 2023 through November 30, 2023

Artist Bio, August 2023

Now retired after 55 years as a social justice activist, human service provider, and University of Massachusetts Boston researcher/teacher, Donna serves as board member with several local nonprofit organizations. Post-retirement, she reignited her passions for the visual arts, completing South Shore Art Center’s (SSAC) Studio Arts Certificate program, becoming a SSAC juried Gallery Artist and board member. She is a juried member of the National Association of Women Artists (NAWA). A book which includes her paintings, “Ways to Survive”, a collaboration with Poet Berna Kahraman, was published in Boston and Istanbul in May 2020 (www.waystosurvive.org). All proceeds from sales of this book were distributed to the four nonprofits Donna and Berna hold dear to their hearts.

Exhibit Details

I create organic abstract paintings, often on the edge of realism, that are an expression of my inner spirit. How people, places, and living beings impact my spirit finds expression on my canvases. At times, when I am feeling agitated or activated, I use bold, energetic movements as I paint or tear and paste collage papers; at other times, when I am feeling tranquil and calm, my paintings portray a gentler, dreamier touch.

Nearly every day, I am out in nature hiking alone or walking with a friend. Each location I spend time in, during each season of the year, has a way of finding expression in my paintings, as is evident in the paintings I have selected to include in this show.

When I paint outdoors, I am inspired by the immediacy of the play of light, shifting from moment to moment as wind, cloud and sun transformations unfold. When I paint with acrylics or mixed media in my studio, mental images of the landscapes, flora, waters, and other scenes evoke feelings that I know reside within. Tapping those feelings and images as I paint brings me great joy.

I draw inspiration from many other artists, including Richard Diebenkorn, Joan Mitchell, Hans Hofmann, Louise Fletcher, Ekua Holmes, as well as artist mentors/coaches, Lisa Marder, Kimberlee Alemian, Santiago Hernandez, Timothy Hawkesworth, and Lala Zeitlyn.