We want to thank everyone who came visiting our studios this past weekend. We all were excited to see so many people out and about. It is always a pleasure for us to share our studios, our work and share our stories with you.
Who am I and what do I do?
I am Donna Berry a visual artist and I produce realistic works of art using water mixable oil paints. Nautical scenes of the beautiful Bay of Fundy are often my inspiration. I enjoy the contrast in tonal values from the deepest blues of the Bay to the sparkling of highlights on the surface of the water produced with a mixture of yellow ochre, raw umber and white among other colors.
Is there an element of art I enjoy most?
The element of art I most enjoy is the period when objects in the painting start coming together. This happens as I work through the details by adding paints and blending various area together. At this point I will stand back and view my work. Although the painting is yet to be complete it will hold a degree of positivity and will soon be ready for public showing.
Best and worst part of profession?
The best part of being an artist is having the ability to take an abstract idea through a creative process and with paints, brushes and canvas am able to transform the idea into a painting.
The worst part of my chosen profession is the uncertainty over whether a painting is sellable. Evenwith this factor I still paint subjects that inspire me rather then choose to paint what is popular at the time.
What is integral to my work?
An integral part of my work is producing paintings that reflect the beauty displayed in scenes around me.
Beauty is everywhere and my challenge is to capture this on canvas.
The most important artist’s tool
The most important tool for an artists in my opinion is the brush. The brush is the connection between the creative process and the canvas. As color is applied with the brush the creative process begins and with many necessary strokes applied a new painting begins.
Why do I do what I do
I choose to do this type of work because it is an important part of who I am. I express myself on canvas especially with my surreal paintings such as the works I produced after the implosion of the old General Hospital in 1995.
Favorite art work?
I have enjoyed creating so many pieces over the years but one of my favorites is a recent work of a female Mallard duck. Taking the time to watch and photograph her as she waddled around the parking lot at Lily Lake. Then resting close to my car hoping to be fed. When I began creating the painting I was already connected to the cute little duck and this made producing it much more enjoyable.
Real life situation that inspired me?
This would have to be the implosion of the General Hospital in 1995. After this event I produced a series of surreal paintings because like many people is this area I was connected to the old building for I was born there as well as my children. It was a massive structure with atmosphere of healing. I attempted to duplicate this feeling in my surreal paintings.
What is my dream project?
I live my dream each time I pick up a brush and and apply paint to canvas.
What do I like most doing?
Going out on a sunny day when the shadows are long and search for inspirational sites along the beautiful Bay of Fundy.
How has my art practice changed over the year?
I feel today I am less distracted by life’s commitments and more focused on creating paintings. I work daily to achieve this. My favorite time of day to work is late afternoon and early evening leaving the morning for more physical activities such as going to the gym or working around my home.
To view more of Donna’s work, visit her Face Book page
Kings County Studio Tour 