Donna said:
“Much of my work reflects a personal insight into mental health problems. It is symbolic and generally I work in black and white using pen and pencil. I often produce works on A2 to any size paper. Some have described my work as edgy and distinctive. I believe I express really powerful emotion through art that cannot easily be put into words. I know my art has been therapeutic and has played a large part in my recovery, and also has helped others. Emotions such as anger, depression, confusion feeling lost to the world, struggling to survive, and the anguish of mental turmoil, can be seen in my art.”
Glimpses of Life
Glimpses of Life is a series of black and white drawings that “represent a diary” of Donna’s life. Donna explains that it has been “a very big step” but that she’s “over the moon” to now be exhibiting her work:
“For many years my art had been hidden away out of sight, as like many other women who have been through abuse my therapy is my art it’s an extension of my soul and I have a lot of works unseen by anyone. All I will say is that glimpses of life shows how even through dark torments I have come through throughout my years of working as an artist I have sustained a love of ink and pencil due to growing up without the ability to get my hands on any paper or pens.”
Community engagement and collaboration:
“My journey has intersected with diverse groups, including women’s collectives and elderly care homes. Notable collaborations include Spectrum Gallery and showcasing works at the Slam Dunk Hospital Gallery. Through these partnerships I’ve witnessed the transformative potential of art, and its ability of fostering connectivity and healing.”
Check out more of Donna’s work here.