We were lucky to catch up with Donna Dodson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Donna, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
On the 100th anniversary of the International Chess Federation (Federation International Des Escheques) , I am the first and only woman that has ever been honored with a solo show at the World Chess Hall of Fame in St Louis Missouri Feb 15th-Sept 15th 2024. My life size all female chess set, “Match of the Matriarchs,” is the first and only one in the world. Featuring a sculpture group configured as a chess set, my increasingly well-known female forms are carved with humor, sensitivity, and attention to the interplay of woodgrain and color.
The genesis of my chess set was my first museum solo show at New Bedford Art Museum in 2016. I created five ‘mermaids’ inspired by the history of ship prow carvings. I wanted to do more with the series, so I set myself the challenge of making an entire chess set. This idea allowed me to build on the concept of sculptures that interact directly with each other, while reflecting on the unfortunate hyper sexualization of mermaids that seems to diminish their power.
I delved into natural history books such as Squid Empire: The Rise and Fall of the Cephalopods by Danna Staff, Octopus: A by Sy Montgomery, and Other Minds: The Octopus, the Sea, and the Deep Origins of Consciousness by Peter Godfrey-Smith. I discovered that the existence of the giant squid was discovered due to the scars they left on the sides of whales. This deep sea battle between the squid and the whale led me to create a team of cephalopods—octopus, squid and cuttlefish—battling against the cetaceans—orca, narwhal and elephant seal.
To learn about the game of chess, I researched Birth of the Chess Queen: A History by Marilyn Yalom and Chess Queens: Women in the Ultimate Intellectual Sport by Jennifer Shahade. The original chess set was composed of King, Vizier/General, and other male military figures. The queen came onto the board as early as the 10th century but when the rules were changed in the 16th century and she assumed the powers of the bishop and rook combined, the queen became the most powerful piece. The new chess game was pejoratively titles “Madwoman’s Chess.” In other words, backlash is nothing new.
My chess set is centered on women. I am thinking about family matriarchies, the realm of power in women’s lives, how women wield power and the bonds between women in families. Since my chess sculptures are life size, it transforms that experience of playing the game from a bird’s eye point of view to an immersive experience.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
When I start a piece of work I need to evoke such a strong feeling about each piece that I can dare to listen to the piece, to make mistakes – to just create. It is the emotional investment in the act of creation that crystallizes the work for me.
Sometimes the idea or concept comes first, and I imagine what the piece will be when completed. More often I work from intuition. Once completed I see the intentions behind the piece, or the desire from which it is born. Artists who inspire me include Jessica Stockholder and Katharina Fritsch. Stockholder uses color as a transformational visual device, changing the way we see form. Fritsch creates sculptures of sacred figures that become pop-icons through her use of color. In the same way I work with various kinds and grains of wood accented by color.
My artwork is about self expression, autobiography, and self redemption. Each sculpture is independent and heroic, but each is connected to the body of my total work. Each is made greater and honored by its association with those that have preceded it, but keeps its own sacred identity. Each reflects my realization that I am a self-made woman.
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?
I think the three things that have been the most impactful on my journey as a sculptor are drive, nerve and persistence. The best way to develop drive is to respect it, obey it, and do not doubt it because it is a gift that links you to your calling. The best way to improve your nerve, is to flex the muscle by taking risks, asking for help and dreaming big. Persistence is the non-glamorous daily grind of doing the work, practicing self-discipline, maintaining focus, making sacrifices and paying attention to long term goals.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My mentor, Joseph Wheelwright, my parents, Don and Bonnie Dodson and my spouse, Andy Moerlein.
Contact Info:
- Website: donnadodsonartist.com
- Instagram: @donnadodsonartist
- Linkedin: donna dodson
- Twitter: @artistdonnad
- Youtube: @thedonnadodsonartist
Image Credits
Brian Wilson
