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This Girl’s an Animal Lover
Written By: Robert Goldberg | Issue: 2017/11 - November
Donna Rhodes comes from a diverse family of artists, from precision craftsmen to decorators to throwers of inspired parties.
That may explain her versatility and passion to create. She’s been a musician, playing in a Renaissance troupe, creator of fine crafts, art teacher of gifted students, and latterly a writer and humorist.
She also comes from a long line of animal people, lovers of nature. Hence her rapport with dogs, cats, ferrets, lizards.
A true sheep-to-shawl weaver and creator of fiber art pieces, she moved from off-loom weaving to spinning and floor loom work. The journey brought her national attention as she traveled the country, teaching, demonstrating, selling her books.
But things change.
She transitioned to serendipitous sculptures, hilarious constructs from found materials: “Flamingo Guitar” and “That’s a Moray.” All evoke grins and admiration. She continues pushing the boundaries of drawing, print-making, design, ceramics, watercolor.
Through it all, there is the whimsy. While her art has arresting symbolism and depth, it’s also really, really funny. Her expressions, her characters, the glint in an eye, critters made from random “schtuff,” never fail to evoke a smile. And now, her loves of artistic creation, humor and animals have combined into her unique pet portraits.
“I paint the eyes first. In doing so – if the eyes are right, expressive and full of character and vibrance – the subject comes to life and directs the rest of the painting.”
Often rising with the sun to pursue the latest portrait of someone’s beloved pet, she is proud that her work is in the collections of celebrities and folks who just love a good laugh with a wry but happy twist, and a forever likeness of a dear family member of the furry persuasion.
About painting she remarks, “Why didn’t I do this sooner? I get to hang with furry beasts, capture their magic, splash large quantities of paint on a canvas ( wheeee !), and bring pet-owners joy. Life is good.”
Contact Donna about a Furry Friend portrait for a mantelpiece, a dramatic wall- space, a headboard and more. Email: [email protected].
