We were lucky to catch up with Donna Bates recently and have shared our conversation below.
Donna, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I’m not really sure actually. I don’t think that most people have any choice but to be resilient if you want to survive in this ever changing world. I’ve always had a lot of projects going since I was a kid. I guess otherwise I would become bored. When I was younger I would bite off a lot more than I could chew and would become distracted by wanting to do everything that was creative. It ended up with a lot of unfinished projects. As I grew older I became aware that I needed to focus on one thing at a time and see it through to completion whether good or bad. That way each completed project became the stepping stone for the next project.
I’ve probably reinvented my self at least 5 times in my life so far. It was never a conscious attempt at reinventing myself, it was more about getting excited about learning a new artistic discipline or exploring new ways to use my aesthetic and life experience to create something fresh.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Well mine is an artistic journey or career. Having always been fascinated by people and their stories, I guess that is why I create and am a fan of Figurative Art!
I try to create big, dramatic, graphically strong, yet technically executed representational
works that speak to the times we live in. Having worked in the graphics/ illustration/ 3D Animation field
for many years, I have created my own mash-up style of urban, tough-chic, edgy, strong independent
people or “Badasses”. My subjects aren’t traditional portraits, they are a different vision of power and
sex appeal flavored with attitude, graffiti, graphics, human rights, and fantasy.
I have 2 paintings going to a show @brassworksgallery Portland, OR in December 2023 and much more coming up so follow me on Instagram @donabatesart
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Without a doubt the #1 quality is to be able to get along with people!!! Not just the people in your social circle or profession but all types of people from different walks of life. Being kind, not being arrogant but know your boundaries and don’t be a pushover. It’s a fine line to walk!
#2 Do the work!!! Hone your skills! I’m sure there are probably a lot of Museums, Art Schools and AI users who would probably disagree with me but if you are a visual artist learn to draw! It’s the basis for everything.
#3. Be a fan. Soak up as much great art as you can and figure out what speaks to you. While being a fan don’t just mimic another artist or artists find you own voice, something that sets you apart.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
Well, there are a number of challenges…
First is that my 104 year old Mother fell over 2 years ago and has been in Hospice. I have had to oversee her care and estate to say noting of the huge emotional toll it has taken.
Second is that after living my entire life in California I am realizing I can no longer afford to live here! So once Mom passes I will have to find a state or country that is more affordable.
Lastly, how do you keep going and creating art when there is so much turmoil and division in this world? To say nothing of personal struggles, obligations and then there is AI!!!
For now I am putting blinders on and painting, it is the only thing keeping me sane.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.donnabates3d.com
- Instagram: @donnabatesart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donna.bates.artist
