Sunday, March 4, 2012

31/31: Donna Watson


31 artists...31 days. Spend every day of March with me at The Altered Page to meet the 31 spotlight artists in my book The Pulse of Mixed Media: Secrets and Passions of 100 Artists Revealed. See their beautiful faces, read their 'quirky' bios written in their own words, see some of their art that led me to invite them to be a part of my book, and hear my story of what they each mean to me. Then click on over to their sites and see what they have to say about The Pulse of Mixed Media.
------------------------------------
In the moment. I sift through black river rocks from Japan. The light and shadows draw me to the edge.


The changing seasons are in black, white, gray with a touch of color.


The textures and layers are weathered and rusty with a subdued patina.


I look for dots, marks and circles on surfaces. There is a quiet strength in the riverbed as I seek memories and feelings. Bound by nature and the passage of time, I find solitude.


Balance.
------------------------------------
I have been intrigued by Donna and her aesthetic since the moment I found her blog. She creates the most beautiful and serene artwork in a limited palette of grays, browns, blacks, creams, and whites. The colors of the earth. Her work is abstract, balanced and ordered. At first glance there is a simplicity to her pieces but look a bit closer and you will see the complexity and depth that she brings to each of her creations.

A visit to her blog provides a breath of fresh air and a sense of calm serenity. It is a bit of escape from a chaotic world. Whether she is showcasing her own art, sharing her photographs and finds from her periodic adventures in Japan, or posting vignettes of her space and the objects she has collected along the way...their is always something compelling to by found.

I am lucky enough to be meeting Donna when my book tour stops in Seattle. I am excited to spend some time with her and to see her work in person. I know that I will feel both exhilarated and exhausted by the end of the tour but my sense is that the minute I see Donna and her art, I will feel still and at peace. 
------------------------------------
GIVEAWAY

NOW CLOSED

101 comments:

Angie in AZ said...

Seth, I'm so glad you featured Donna's work. I was unfamiliar with her work but now follow her blog as a result of this post. Her work has the most peaceful, calming affect on me. I have always loved this style of Asian art.. meaning the color choices, more than anything. Brings back wonderful memories of living on Okinawa as a child. Donna's work is stunning.

Judy Shreve said...

Yes - Donna's work is visual poetry! Her blog calms and inspires!

Shayla said...

Thanks for the profile. I'd forgotten about Donna's blog. Her work does leave one feeling calm and refreshed and its a treat to visit her virtual world.

Unknown said...

And again I you балгодарю, for acquaintance to the fine artist!

mansuetude said...

I've learned so much from Donna and her blog. A zen peace there. Plus, she likes good poetry (Linda Gregg etc>).

Great profile.

CERULEAN said...

Great you've added Donna's work in "The Pulse". It's a visual resting point and oases.

ArtPropelled said...

Seth, I'm really enjoying the 31/31 posts. Donna's work is indeed so calming and I look forward to reading her responding post.

Numinosity said...

I really admire Donna's work and aesthetic. Thanks for featuring her blog.

Storyheart said...

I love Donna's work with its lovely textures and sense of harmony. Thank you for introducing me to her and her blog.

jinxxxygirl said...

Hi Seth!

Love Donna's work. I'm off to visit her blog! deb

Jann Gougeon said...

I love Donna's work . . simplicity with complex sensitivity. Lucky you . . seeing in person!

druga szesnaście said...

my eyes opened wide...
thank you for that.

Luna Art said...

I am finding so many artists I have never heard of before, thank you for that! Off to look on Donnas blog now.

Robert said...

I have been following Donna Watson's blog, "Layers" for some time (It was the blog I listed as a "favorite" way back in "The Pulse #3"). As a fellow Northwesterner, I find the amazing beauty of the muted color cominations that she gravitates toward in her work (the "black, white, gray with a touch of color"), and her "wabi-sabi" aesthetic to imbue her work with a strangely powerful visual presence. I enjoy the subtle combinations of textures, colors, and layers which pervades these compositions, and the "quiet strength" which emanates from them. Beautiful, beautiful work!

Claire said...

i love donna's work (and her blog!)and i'm thrilled she's in your book! can't wait to see who else you feature...

Cathy said...

Her work is so beautiful!

Maureen said...

Gorgeous blog. Fabulous artist!

Tammie Lee said...

I love visiting Donna's blog, it is artful and soothing oh and inspiring to the eye! How wonderful that she is in your book!

mairedodd said...

i am always so grateful to this art community for its openness and generosity... how we celebrate others and spread their voice... while i sometimes lament this technological age, there are gifts abundant it showers upon us at the right hands... donna's work is beautiful... congratulations on the book -

Anonymous said...

Very beautiful. "Simple" is always best!!

Carol said...

She's amazing. Her pieces are so calming yet contemplative..

Magdalena said...

I admire Donnas work and her way to see the world...
Congratulations on your book!
it will be very exciting to look in and read the pages filled with so much inspiration

Best regards

Magdalena

Lynn Cohen said...

I am so enjoying the artists you keep introducing to us here. Each one a visit and show that excites the senses, gets the artist mind roaming, inspires, encourages starting something something new! Thanks Seth!

PS Amazon sent an email today saying the book is being sent next week (a month earlier than first promised. I am so looking forward to getting my hands on it finally!)

Then did not yet have it in in the second Barnes and Nobles store I tried this week. They said they had three copies on order. I told them they would need many more than that!!! To order more NOW!

Barbara I. said...

Donna's artwork is lovely. Thanks for sharing her with us!

rivergardenstudio said...

Thank you for this insight into Donna's vision of the world and her art. Her words are very beautiful, as is her art.
Great job on this series!
roxanne

Rebeca Trevino said...

Donna's work is always peaceful and contemplative. Although it appears simple, my guess is that to achieve those textures, layers and colors is complicated and involves thought and contemplation.

Unknown said...

Morning everyone. Today I am going to "look for dots, marks and circles on surfaces" as Donna has nudged my thinking there. I'll take a sketch book and see what I see. It's raining outside so this will be a watery vision. Thank you Seth for offering this adventure. *smiles* Norma

Bill said...

Another wonderful day of artful discovery! I love all the textures displayed in Donna's work. It reminds me of the beautiful textures always found in your art.

Karen Isaacson said...

Donna's work is so beautiful and inspiring. I strive to create with such complex simplicity.

ZenDotStudio said...

I love Donna's work for all the reasons you mention. I love the tours of her house and garden and the books and artists she so generously introduces us to.

Wonderful to see her featured here.

Jan said...

Very serene and calming work. I am enjoying this tour through artist's blogs.

Leslie Avon Miller said...

What a lovely collection of Donna's work in your post Seth. You have a great eye. Thank you, and again, congratulations on the publication of your book.

amy of studio four corners said...

yes, Donna and her work and her blog has been a constant source of inspiration for me...you mention meeting up with her in Seattle during the book tour...does that mean that something is confirmed? oh please say yes!

Jill Zaheer said...

I'm familar with Donna's blog and her art through your blog Seth- and it is surely the most magnetic and peaceful experience to look at her work. It's emotional, detailed and yet takes you to such a reflective place- simply magical!! Can't wait to hear about you meeting one another on your blog tour!!

Anonymous said...

what a wonderful post! donna is one of my all time favorite artists and people i've never met. she is wonderful and her work is divine -- calming indeed. every day of this month keeps getting better and better. thank you so much, seth!

magpie said...

donna is one of my favorites. the serenity inherent in her aesthetic is the perfect antidote to the way of the world.

Anonymous said...

Donna is a great addition to your group of 31, and I am enjoying this daily feast for the eyes and mind. I would love to be there when the two of you visit together and see the energy sparking meditatively between you. :-)

eb said...

I too love Donna's quiet and serene work and your spotlight certainly communicates that - she is also thoughtful and kind - I am always delighted when she visits my blog - the Pulse is picking up an exciting pace Seth - love tagging along...

xox - eb.

Julia said...

Thank you for introducing me to Donna! Her art is peaceful, yet complex as you mentioned.

Hue and Me Art said...

Amazing artist!!

lyle baxter said...

seth, thanks for including Donna in your book! her blog is one of the few I return to several times with each new post. there is so much to enjoy and learn one read is not enough!

onesmallstitch said...

I have just discovered your blog, directed here from Donna's blog. It is so overwhelming and exciting I can't wait to get a copy of your book.

Hannah said...

I've been following Donna's work some time now and it never fails to take me, one small shift at a time, to a place of reflection, of stillness. Her skillful use of neutrals has a palliative effect on the soul and I'm so glad you've included her in this collection.

Kathryn Dyche said...

Love the textural elements in Donna's work and her link to nature. There's definitely a serenity about her pieces which is so beautiful.

Marta Brysha said...

Seth, thank you so much for bringing us Donna's ethereal works. You are right, her blog does inspire a feeling of serenity and repose.

silkandcolour.blogspot.com

Carol said...

Thanks Seth, Donna's work exudes peace and tranquility. Really lovely.

elle said...

Thank you! This is indeed soothing to the soul. Just beautiful!

Artsnark said...

very cool! I am really enjoying this series, Seth. Cant wait for the book :)

Denise said...

I've been a frequent visitor to Donna Watson's blog, "Layers". I found her when I was researching "boro", and then discovered her love of Asian art and culture. Her encaustic paintings are most impressive.

Sharmon Davidson said...

I think it's wonderful that you're featuring the artists in the book! Donna's work has been among my favorites for a long time; its beauty and serenity never cease to amaze me.

Anonymous said...

a lot of traveling ahead? i hope it goes well.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I LOVE Donna's art. I like her limited color palette, too.

Carol said...

I found you from a link on another blog. I'm looking forward to following you too!

Carol said...

I found you from a link on another blog. I'm looking forward to following you too!

La Poeta said...

Gotta go and check Donna's blog.

Jo Murray said...

Thanks again Seth. I'm an enormous fan of Donna's work and it is interesting to get more of an insight into her life and way of working.

Elizabeth said...

I'll now be exploring more of Donna's work. I like anything with a sense of decay, peace and nature - her work has all of those. Thank you for the introduction!

liberal sprinkles said...

I'm really enjoying the 31/31 posts and the links to the featured artists' blogs. I'm learning not only about them but also more about you!

mankybones said...

I am always amazed when an artist uses a limited color palate, and creates such a huge body of work and no two pieces ever look alike.

sukipoet said...

I love donna's work and follow her blog

diane said...

I love it that you've featured Donna in your book. She is an inspired and inspiring artist with whom I had the opportunity of taking a class recently. It has given me much to ponder.

diane said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Cathy Hegman said...

Donna's work gives you a connection with the earth that in busy day to day life you seem to overlook. I love the order and interest in all of her work. I am intrigued to see the entire book as I feel if Donna is one of the many the book must be loaded with interesting chapters about other artists.

Cathy Hegman said...

Donna's work gives you a connection with the earth that in busy day to day life you seem to overlook. I love the order and interest in all of her work. I am intrigued to see the entire book as I feel if Donna is one of the many the book must be loaded with interesting chapters about other artists.

laura said...

by the end of the month i will be reading even more blogs by these powerful artists. i loved the zen of Donna's art and the part natureplays.

laura said...

by the end of the month i will be reading even more blogs by these powerful artists. i loved the zen of Donna's art and the part natureplays.

Anonymous said...

I feel that same serenity looking at Donna's work. I will visit her site now. Thank you for sharing.

Lisa said...

a wonderful feature on Donna and her work...she truly is a breath of fresh air in every way. So glad you will be able to spend time with her on your tour.

Suzanne Bouchard said...

I find Donna,s work very strong. I love the grid approach to composition and the subtle textures she uses to create a peaceful ambiance.

saramorison said...

I've been a follower of Donna's for a while now....beautiful zen work and that's how i found YOU!

Cris Winters said...

Donna's work is wonderful and her blog is full of wonderful stuff that I am constantly sending to friends and to my art students. Great to see she is part of this project.

henrietta (aka ani aka zani) said...

my goodness...i'm at the end of a very extensive list of people who admire both you and donna. i find her blog to be so calming...thank you for bringing more of her to us.

Lynda said...

Seth, you've featured my inspiration today, Donna Watson... so glad she's in the book...

Liz Thomas said...

Seth,thank you for featuring Donna's incredible work. I'm blessed to have two of her pieces and more blessed that she is my friend. Your blog is awesome and thanks to Donna for including a link to it from her blog.

Mo Crow said...

a gentle wise peace flows from Donna's art andwords, good to see that she is in your book!

Kate Burroughs said...

Very interesting and different work from Donna. On the way to check out her blog.
Aloha, Kate

Anonymous said...

The sense of peace and serenity to be gotten from Donna's work is amazing, even in these internet photos which I'm sure don't do justice to the real thing.

Parabolic Muse said...

Hi, Seth. I have never seen Donna's work! There's such an appreciation for simplicity, restraint, calm and peace which is rare and it's something I love about her work. As I'm working to use more neutral colors and open spaced (as an exercise--not that I will ever have that first instinct!), I realize what a challenge it can be and how satisfying.

Terrie said...

OMG - I just love her work. The simple compositions but dramatic results are just stunning in their depth. This is an artist I'm unfamiliar with and so glad to have found. Thanks!

donna joy said...

I recently came across Donna's work online and fell in love with it-inspiring work!

Sandi said...

Seth,I wasn't familar with Donna's work,but I'm so glad to have found it!! I love the serene Asian influences!!

Carmel Glover said...

I'm not usually drawn to symmetric balance, but Donna's 'Balance' is exquisite. I love Donna's masked simplicity.

Dianne said...

Donna's work is so soothing...and her blog is informative...wonderful examples of how the negative and positive spaces work together, and in a spiritual way...

Kim Henkel Creations said...

I so LOVE her work! I am excited to be able to purchase this book - it looks wonderful!

Anonymous said...

I started following Donna's work last year because of a link I found through you and she is terrific. So glad to see her featured here for others to discover.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful work. Seth, thanks so much for all you do to keep us aware of what is being done in collage and mixed media. It is awe inspiring to see the work this artist and the others are doing. Can't wait to see your book.

nancy neva gagliano said...

ABSOLUTELY a must stop on a regular basis for me....Donna's blog always "rings that bell" ...

Wendy said...

Those muted colors give off a sense of calmness and solemnity. I feel at peace when looking at Donna's work.

Anonymous said...

Donna's work is wonderful and the sense of balance is comforting. I love her limited palette and all that seems to be contained within.

Unknown said...

I have always enjoyed Donna's work...how wonderful to learn so much more about her!!
x..x

Cynthia Monica said...

I have been an admirer of Donna's work since I found her blog as well. And, I enjoy visiting her blog and always feel renewed by her posts and her beautiful work..

Emma said...

Even tho a lover of color I've always felt quite safe looking at Donna's work.

juliaD said...

So wonderful that Donna's wonderful work is featured in your latest book, I have followed her blog for years...would dearly loove to have a copy..I am a mixed media artist in Australia. Congratulations on another success in your life...x....julia

.Trudi Sissons said...

You've captured the essence of how I feel when I visit Donna's blog! Like Angie, I was happy to learn she is featured in your book Seth!

susan in seattle said...

I love the balance and simplicity of her work!

Kim Goodwin said...

How beautiful her words and work are. Donna is a new artist to me I am excited in reading more . Thanks Seth for the intro

Teri said...

I love Donna's work and have been following her blog for quite some time. When you come to the west coast will you be in California at all? I would love to see your book tour in and you in person.

Carol said...

Beautiful, peaceful, soothing, very meaningful. Donna's work is wonderful.

charlotte said...

Loving 31/31!!!!! This rocks!

Wen said...

I love Donna's work. Every time I see it, I feel like I know it. There is a quality of recognition, of familiarly. It begins...

barbara said...

i have enjoyed following donna's blog for the past 2 years.....lovely work