Artist Statement
Biography
Donna Broder is an artist who has been living in Napa Valley for the past 10 years. Since moving to Napa she has been busy doing sculptures and large oil paintings that suit her new home. Most of these art pieces reflect her new natural environment of oak trees, rolling hills, sunsets, lakes, and many colorful wild animals. She has also designed outdoor installations, constructed with her landscaper, that embrace the beauty of the Valley.
Before moving to the Valley, Donna lived in Hawaii where she received a Bachelor of Science degree. In 1990, after selling the business she and her husband owned and operated Donna began the exciting journey as an artist that she had longed for since childhood.
Donna began taking art classes at the University of Hawaii and traveling with art groups to Italy, France (where she had the privilege to use the press that Picasso used), and Japan. Penland School of Crafts and Anderson Ranch Art Center also became exciting adventures in learning art techniques and meeting great instructors. John Toki, Rudy Autio, and Paul Soldner were instrumental in peaking her interest in ceramics and sculpture; Hiroki Morinoue in printmaking and Enrique Martinez Celaya in painting.
University of Hawaii and Penland School of Crafts gave her an opportunity to be a member of the Hawaii Craftsmen. Learning printmaking made it possible to be on the board of the Honolulu Printmakers, the oldest art guild in the state.
On three occasions, Donna has been an Artist in Residence at the Vermont Studio Center as a printmaker.
Photo by Charles O'Rear
She has participated in numerous exhibitions, including solo and group shows at Hawaii venues such as The Contemporary Museum, Hawaii Pacific University Gallery, and the Honolulu Academy of Arts. Her art has also been sold through galleries in Hawaii and California.
The State Foundation on Culture and Arts in Hawaii awarded her with a “Purchase Award” on a reduction wood block print titled “Please Remove Your Shoes”.
Statement
My philosophy for creating art is to be spontaneous. Most of my art is abstract so I allow this spontaneity to surprise me and let happen, whatever happens.
Although my preferred mediums are ceramics, printmaking (monotype), oil and watercolor painting, I am open to new techniques and willing to keep learning.
Learning is a very exciting part of making art.