We were lucky to catch up with Donna Bonavito recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Donna, thanks for joining us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

As a child, my dream job was always that of an artist; the mere thought of painting and crafting filled me with unparalleled excitement. My journey began by assisting a local artist (Stanley Grosse) in setting up his studio right down the street. Blessed with the opportunity to attend an art high school and later pursue my passion at an art college in CCA San Francisco, I found myself at the crossroads of choosing a career in the arts.

Rather than opting for a conventional path, such as designing prints for a clothing company within the confines of a building for 40 hours a week, I sought something more liberating and enjoyable. This led me to a Lacis a Lace shop and Museum in Berkeley, where I embarked on my journey in sales and curation.

Currently, I find myself curating at two galleries in Sedona, Arizona, enjoying the privilege of working full-time in the arts—a true gift. Although it wasn’t the trajectory I initially anticipated, life rarely unfolds as expected. The process of hanging art and sharing the stories behind each piece has proven to be an incredibly rewarding endeavor, demanding its own unique form of creativity.

Donna, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

In my current role as Curator and Manager at The Wyatt Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Masters, I have the privilege of helping individuals discover art that resonates with them on a personal level. It’s a rewarding journey where we explore their taste and preferences, delving into the intricacies of the art world to uncover pieces that hold relevance in their lives.

I thoroughly enjoy the process of getting to know people, be they art collectors or artists, recognizing that their symbiotic relationship is essential for mutual growth. It’s akin to being a matchmaker in the art realm, where the thriving connection between collectors and artists is fundamental.

Witnessing the palpable excitement when someone discovers and falls in love with a particular piece of art is truly exciting! I feel fortunate that I get to experience this joy regularly. Even after all this time, I still maintain a genuine appreciation for a diverse range of art and the work of various artists, considering myself fortunate to be involved in such a dynamic and ever-evolving field.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Art is everywhere! Like Van Gogh once said, “I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people.” I’m totally on board with that. When we show love and support to each other, it’s like making our own kind of art and magic.

So, treat yourself—grab that piece of art, deck yourself out, really listen to that poet, and tip to the musicians. Let’s spread some creative love!

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

The arts can be a tough gig because there’s no surefire guarantee, and luck plays a big role. Even if you’re rocking a doctorate in the arts, making a steady income can still be a challenge. People who aren’t into the creative scene tend to see things in a more straightforward way—you do something, and you get a specific result. But in the arts, there’s no guarantee. You might create a masterpiece, but without luck and a whole different set of extroverted skills, there’s no guarantee it’ll bring in the bucks during your lifetime. It’s a bit of a wild ride!

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Instagram: donnabonavito
• Facebook: The Wyatt Gallery & Gallery of Modern Masters