Today we’d like to introduce you to Donna Giraud.
Donna, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
My creative story randomly began when I was dining in a restaurant. A beautiful piece of artwork on the restaurant wall silently inspired me to head to the nearest craft store, buy some paint and I created my first piece a few days later. I didn’t know it at the time, but the universe had a plan for me, and 17 years later, I paint for a living, teach one of the greatest paint classes you’ll ever do and run a gallery in one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Vancouver. It has been an incredibly difficult and rewarding journey, and I am so grateful for everyone that has helped make my dream a reality.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I am known for my large scale, west coast inspired, acrylic on canvas paintings that bare my signature use of texture and metallic washes. My work is entirely inspired from my everyday experiences, emotions, and conversations and my hope is that people reflect inwards as I paint about topics like love, positivity, kindness, and optimism.
I am a huge believer in that art should make you feel something and that buying art should be a positively unforgettable experience. I have dedicated my practice to creating a depth in my work that evokes an array of emotions and hopefully a warm and inviting environment where everyone feels comfortable to explore.
How do you think about success, as an artist, and what do quality do you feel is most helpful?
This is one of my favourite questions I get asked as an artist. A successful artist can mean so many things. Being an artist can have its fair share of struggles, but I assure you it is possible to live a thriving life as a creative.
To me, I define artistic success as constantly creating, always exploring new techniques, inspiring others, and connecting people with the perfect piece of art.
To help dispel the myth that artists have to struggle and starve, I actually teach a 10-week course on the business of art. In order to be a successful artist, it takes an exceptional amount of tenacity, attention to detail and figuring out creative ways to stand out from everybody else. The trick is, you wow them with your work AND your personality, so when they are finally ready to buy, you are the first person they think of.
My best advice for what quality is essential to being a successful artist is knowing how to say hello and talk about your art. There are so many artists that are masterful with their craft but have zero capacity to actually get out there and talk to someone about their art. The chance that Oprah is going to knock on your front door and buy your whole collection is pretty slim, so in the meantime, you’ve gotta do whatever you can to talk to as many people about your art. This is the time to wow them with your sparkling personality, and I guarantee you will see the results in sales. People don’t buy art, they buy the artist!
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I am so honoured that I can say I have artwork hanging in both private and commercial collections all over North America, and most recently, I exhibit amongst six other local artists in our own gallery in Vancouver Canada called The Space An Art Gallery.
Living my dream as an artist does not happen without an unbelievably supportive circle of followers/appreciators. I am grateful to everyone that has come on this artistic journey with me, and I am always looking for more supportive souls. Because I am in Vancouver, Canada, the best way you Californians can support me is following me on the array of social media platforms (@donnagiraudart and www.donnagiraudart.com) until you are able to come north and visit me in my gallery. (www.thspaceanartgallery.com)
I am always open to a conversation, an email or message so please do not hesitate to reach out. And in case you didn’t already know, I can ship my artwork to any corner of the world if one of my pieces move you. It’s all about getting good art into good people’s homes.
Contact Info:
- Address: The Space An Art Gallery
1063 Hamilton Street
Vancouver BC Canada - Website: www.donnagiraudart.com
- Phone: 778-772-7275
- Email: info@donnagiraud.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/donnagiraudart
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/donnagiraudart
Image Credit:
Byron Dauncey and Charles Zuckermann
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
