Today we’d like to introduce you to Donna Giraud

Donna, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

Twenty-two years almost to the day, a 21-year-old (that’s me) was having brunch and mimosas with my boyfriend (sorry husband) on a random Sunday on Granville island. During this fateful brunch, my boyfriend admired a painting on the restaurant wall. With a spark of inspiration (and possibly a bit of mimosa-fueled bravado), I thought to myself, “I could paint that!”

The next day, I embarked on a covert mission. I returned to the restaurant, feigned an urgent bathroom visit, and sneakily snapped a photo of the painting with my trusty point-and-shoot camera (yes, this was pre-iPhone). Armed with this clandestine photo, I dashed to the craft store, loaded up on paints and canvas, and then got the film developed at London Drugs.

And then I set to work, attempting to recreate that painting for my boyfriend as a Christmas gift. When I presented it to him, he was convinced I had bought it from the restaurant. Little did he know, it was my first-ever masterpiece!

Fast forward to today: I am a professional textural abstract painter, creating artworks from my studio in North Vancouver. That brunch set off a chain reaction of creativity and passion that has now spanned over two decades.

Warning: my art may cause uncontrollable urges to redecorate and endless brunch date inspirations. Click now and find the perfect piece for your wall—mimosas not included! www.donnagiraudart.com

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

Being an artist is anything but smooth. Being an artist can be one of the most challenging professions to make work. While passion for creating is a fundamental part of being an artist, it encompasses much more than just painting. The life of an artist involves a relentless hustle to continuously present your work to new audiences and potential collectors. It requires networking, marketing, and often managing one’s own business affairs, all while trying to stay true to one’s creative vision.

To make matters even more complicated, creativity doesn’t always flow effortlessly. Artists face ups and downs, and there are times when inspiration seems elusive. These downtimes can be particularly tough, yet deadlines and project timelines must still be met. This often requires pushing through creative blocks, finding new sources of inspiration, and maintaining a consistent output despite internal and external challenges.

Despite these struggles and the constant hustle, being an artist is incredibly rewarding. Every day, I pinch myself with gratitude, knowing that I have the privilege of sharing my gift with others. The joy of seeing my work resonate with viewers makes all the hard work and perseverance worthwhile. It’s this fulfillment that drives me to keep creating, no matter how difficult the journey may be.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

You know, life can be pretty intense sometimes. We all feel the weight of the world on our shoulders. Through my art, I aim to provide a little escape from all that heaviness, even if it’s just for a brief moment.

I specialize in large scale, abstract, textural paintings that capture the complexity of our emotions but also reflect hope and positivity. I love using soothing colors and thoughtful compositions to create a sense of calm amidst the chaos.

In a world that often feels dark, I proudly strive to create pieces that radiate love, hope, and kindness. I want my art to invite you to pause, reconnect, and feel a bit more at ease. Every time I pick up my brush, I think about how this painting can serve as a beacon of light for someone out there.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.

Not taking risks is the easy way out. Though I don’t consider myself a natural risk taker, I understand that to truly shine and succeed, especially as an artist, I must venture into new and inventive ways to showcase my work. Staying true to my values and beliefs is crucial, but so is pushing boundaries. When running your own business, stepping out of your comfort zone is essential for growth. The real magic happens just beyond that comfort zone, where creativity and innovation thrive. Taking calculated risks is not about being reckless; it’s about recognizing opportunities for growth and transformation. Embracing this mindset allows me to expand my horizons and reach my full potential, ultimately leading to a more rewarding and dynamic artistic journey.

I think a perfect example of a major risk I have taken in my artistic career was when I made the bold decision to leave my very comfortable nursing job of 15 years, a position that came with a stable income and a pension. It was a significant risk, especially considering there was no guarantee that I could make my art career work. However, I knew deep down that if I never tried, I would never know how good it could be. Leaving behind the security of nursing to focus primarily on my art was a giant leap into the unknown. It was challenging and frightening, but it allowed me to pursue my passion fully. This risk paid off as it opened doors to opportunities I never imagined, proving that sometimes the biggest rewards come from the boldest decisions.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.donnagiraudart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donnagiraudart

Image Credits
Byron Dauncey and Jasalyn Thorne