Donna Howard
About | I was born into the Witness Protection Program, so the details of my childhood have been kept from me for my own safety. I was released when it was discovered that I was never in any real danger at all. I was turned out into the street with a written apology, a pat on the head and a detailed invoice payable to the FBI for all that protection I never even needed. Talk about being behind before you even begin.
Actually, I was recently paroled from a 15-year sentence in an office cube. It was a fortunate occurrence if you consider all the time I wasted wishing the window directly behind me could open. I grieved for about 5 seconds before going to my attic to find the paint brushes I remember being so fond of in college. They were a tad dusty and a little more than “slightly miffed” due to my neglect. It seems they forgave me after I introduced them to the shiny new tubes of paint I had purchased just for them. Now our days are spent in joyful anticipation of the challenges each new blank canvas presents.
Except for the part about having a sketchy childhood, the first bit was a complete fabrication. I couldn’t resist.
Q & A
What are your earliest memories of being artistic? One thing I remember from a very young age is not being interested in toys. I wanted craft supplies! On those special occasions we got to spend money on ourselves, I’d wait in the toy store till my siblings were sated, and then it was my turn! Lee Wards was a giant craft store and I wanted everything on the shelves! Ribbon and tape and paper and glue I wanted it all!
When did art become a pursuit? I headed to college in the 1980’s believing Art to be my one pursuit. It was a road that had many detours. Some success, some devastation, and I wouldn’t return to the paintbrushes until I was in my late 40’s.
Are you self-taught or formally educated in visual art? I guess a little bit of both! I was an artist as a child and in a way, formal education was quite restricting. My best work is definitely yet to come.
Summer Jump-Up, Acrylic on canvas
How did you first become involved with CAA? I had a painting accepted during a call for art! With the acceptance came an invitation to join and I accepted gratefully!
In what other ways are you involved in the local art community? For the last 5 years I’ve been involved in an Artists Co-op Gallery, Gallery Z in Lowell Ma.
What role do you think the artist plays in society? We’re cheerleaders and we’re caretakers. We inspire and comfort. We play multiple roles in society and should be valued.
What medium do you currently work in and how did you choose this medium? I work in acrylics. I like the immediacy of the material. I like that the colors are bright and beautiful, and I love that it dries quickly! Easy clean-up is also a plus.
Family Tree Branches, Acrylic on canvas
What is your creative process? Where are you finding ideas for your art these days? At the beginning of the Pandemic it was hard to create the happiness I’m used to painting – Who am I kidding, it’s been a tough 4 years in this country, and creating joy has not been easy. But as we humans pulled back from the world and the virus, I noticed the resiliency of the world around me. Gardens did not stop blooming because of Covid-19. My work during the pandemic became all about that resiliency. Big colorful blooms were just what I needed to focus my attention on.
How do you choose your subject matter? Is there a reoccurring theme that carries throughout your work? I never seem to lack subject matter. My first few years were taken up almost entirely with childhood memories and family. These days I’m interested in looking forward. I want a better future so I’m concentrating on nature and it’s power to go on despite the humans trying to crush its very soul.
In your opinion, what’s your best/favorite piece you’ve made? My favorite painting is called Fats and The Raven. A bit of a sinister smile on a weird old ventriloquist’s dummy, it’s the stuff of childhood nightmares and the only way to make peace with some of my own.
What is one of your artistic goals? Well I’ve written a couple of things I’d like to try and get published. A new medium for me but that’s what makes it exciting!
Soon as I Found My Voice, Acrylic on canvas
What’s your favorite place to see art, and why? I love local little galleries. You never know what to expect!
What living artists are you inspired by? all of them.
Do you own any art by other artists? Is so, what artists? Mostly I love to collect pottery. My two favorites are Christy Knox of Natural Elements Pottery and Evelyn Snyder of Kaleidoscope Pottery.
Do you have any shows coming up?
Titled: “The Summer That Wasn’t” I invite people to walk through my version of Summer 2020 by stepping into my head and allowing me to surround them with Gardens of hope for a brighter future.
Gallery Z – 167 Market Street, Lowell, MA November 13 through December 24
See more from Donna
Website: https://www.donna-howard.com/
Instagram: @donnahowardartist
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donnahowardsart