We recently had the chance to connect with Donna Giraud and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Donna, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, what’s been bringing me the most joy is a recent trip my husband and I took to Africa — specifically Namibia and Botswana. It was truly life-changing and honestly one of the most beautiful experiences I’ve ever had. The ever-changing landscapes, the incredible wildlife, and the peaceful rhythm of nature had me in a constant state of awe.
We travel often — these were the 41st and 42nd countries I’ve been fortunate to visit — and every time we step outside of Vancouver, I feel my heart and soul expand. Experiencing new cultures, connecting with people, and seeing the world from a fresh perspective always fills me up creatively. For me, travel isn’t just about adventure; it’s a way to reset, refocus, and refill my tank so I can return home inspired and ready to create again.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m an abstract artist based in North Vancouver, and I create textured acrylic and wax paintings that explore emotion, resilience, and optimism. My work is all about connection — helping people feel seen, understood, and uplifted through art that speaks to the heart. Texture became my language after a life-changing car accident years ago, and since then, it’s been how I communicate the beauty that can emerge from pain, growth, and healing.
Each piece I create is a reflection of life’s journey — the light, the cracks, and everything in between. I’m endlessly inspired by travel, nature, and human stories, and I bring that curiosity into my work. I want people to stand in front of my paintings and feel a sense of calm and hope, as though they’ve taken a deep, grounding breath.
Right now, I’m focused on sharing my solo exhibition Even Hummingbirds Rest, a deeply personal collection that invites people to embrace rest, healing, and self-kindness. Through my art and my collaborations with interior designers, my goal is always the same — to bring meaningful, soul-filling art into spaces and lives where it truly belongs.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that has most shaped how I see myself is the one I share with my husband, Paul.
Throughout my life, I’ve been fortunate to have a handful of people who have guided, supported, and encouraged me to grow into the person I am today. But no one has done that more profoundly than him. I’m 46 now, and I’ve spent many years doing the inner work to truly know and understand myself — but it wasn’t until I met Paul that I learned what it really feels like to be seen, heard, and loved for exactly who I am.
He has been the definition of unconditional support. He’s had the courage to hold up a mirror when I needed honesty, yet he’s never once wavered from love and encouragement. He lifts me when I need lifting and gives me space when I need freedom — always without judgment, always with a steady presence.
Through him, I’ve learned what a healthy, wholehearted relationship looks like. He’s shown me that love isn’t about fixing or changing one another, but about walking side by side through all of it — the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Because of him, I not only see myself more clearly, but I also have the courage to show up in the world exactly as I am.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be: don’t care about what other people think, you are awesome.
It’s such a simple sentence, but it carries so much truth and freedom. When we’re young, it’s almost impossible not to worry about how others see us — we crave approval and belonging, and in that process, we sometimes lose pieces of ourselves. I look back now and realize how often I held back or played small because I feared judgment or rejection.
Today, I’m in a completely different place. I feel confident in what I’m creating and proud of who I’ve become. I no longer measure my worth by other people’s opinions, and that shift has been life-changing. There’s an incredible lightness that comes with letting go of that pressure — a sense of peace, joy, and creative freedom that I wish I’d allowed myself to feel sooner. But I also know that every step of that journey got me here, to this grounded, authentic version of myself — and that’s something I’m deeply grateful for.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
A lie that I think the art world often tells — sometimes quietly, sometimes loudly — is that there isn’t enough room for all of us to thrive. There’s this unspoken belief that only a select few “make it,” and that if someone else succeeds, it somehow takes away from your own potential. That kind of thinking can be so damaging and discouraging, especially when you’re still finding your footing as an artist.
But the truth is, there’s absolutely room for everyone. The art world is vast and deeply personal — the people who are drawn to my work are going to be completely different from those who connect with someone else’s, and that’s a beautiful thing. We each bring our own story, our own energy, and our own way of helping people feel something.
I really believe that when we show up authentically, work hard, and cheer each other on instead of comparing or competing, we all rise together. There’s so much power in community, collaboration, and genuine support — and the more we embrace that, the stronger and more inspiring this creative world becomes.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
If I laid down my name, my role, and everything I own, what would remain is kindness.
I truly believe kindness is the medicine for everything — it heals, connects, and softens the hardest parts of life. I’ve made it a conscious choice to live with the kindest of intentions, both in my art and in how I move through the world. I’ve seen firsthand the ripple effect it can create — how one small act or gentle word can completely shift someone’s day, or even their outlook.
When all is said and done, I don’t need to be remembered for titles or achievements. I hope people simply remember that I led with kindness — that I tried to make others feel seen, valued, and loved. Because at the end of it all, that’s what truly lasts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.donnagiraudart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donnagiraudart
Image Credits
Jasalyn Thorne and Charles Zuckermann
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