An Interview About Me, By Me
It is so amazing that people genuinely find it fascinating that I get to create art for a living and that they want to take time out of their busy day to get to know me and what I do. So here’s an interview about me, by me. Just a couple of questions that seem to pop up regularly and answers I thought you might find interesting. So here we go!
An Interview About Me, By Me
Wether I am sitting at the gallery front desk talking to fellow artists and passers by, or chatting with people at a show like IDS Vancouver, I always get asked the same types of questions. What inspires you? (see my last blog post to discover the answer to this). What do you paint? Tell me about your process!! Etc etc etc.
It is so amazing that people genuinely find it fascinating that I get to create art for a living and that they want to take time out of their busy day to get to know me and what I do.
So here’s an interview about me, by me. Just a couple of questions that seem to pop up regularly and answers I thought you might find interesting. So here we go!
For those that know nothing about you, give us a little introduction about who you are and what you do.
My name is Donna Giraud and I am an acrylic abstract painter. I currently help run an artist run gallery in Yaletown called The Space An Art Gallery and I have been painting for 18 years. My work is very textural, often thought of looking like west coast landscapes and my work is greatly inspired by my world travels. I grew up on the North Shore and never thought that I would end up being an artist. I am a National Gold medal winning college soccer player, my first profession was a nurse at St Paul’s Hospital for 15 years but as of almost two years ago, I gave up my license to become a full time painter. I currently teach the best dam paint night paint class in the city (Paint with Donna) and I have artwork hanging in residential and commercial spaces all over North America. I just turned 40 years old and I am currently in the process of figuring out what is next.
What is your favorite thing about being an artist?
Naturally I want to say that my favorite thing about being an artist is that I get to explore my emotions and thoughts in a creative way and make pieces of art that inspire and move people. But if I have to choose the very best thing about being an artist is the fact that I get to create what each day looks like. Yes I have obligations and deadlines, but I get to decide how all that unravels. I have only myself to answer to and with that comes great freedom. Sometimes I get up in the morning with the intention of spending the whole day in the studio painting, but then find myself binge watching a whole season of Queer Eye instead. Typically, most bosses wouldn’t find this productive or appropriate, but sometimes I give myself permission to do those kind of things. I have lists, I have plans, I have schedules with appointment that all get done in an organized and professional manner, but there is nothing better than designing a day exactly how you want.
What is the hardest thing about being an artist?
The hardest thing about being an artist is actually the same answer as above. Having freedom creates the perfect opportunity for procrastination. I mentioned that it is totally ok to give yourself permission to binge watch tv once and a while, but with that comes the possibility of that becoming a regular occurrence. I have heard so many artists say this and sadly fall prey to the lack of routine. I promised myself that I wouldn’t be that norm and made it a point to be committed to my craft, to set schedules and alarms, to keep accountable, to set deadlines, to do regular check in’s with myself and surround myself with people that encourage me to keep going. I make mistakes but I am committed to keep moving forward where ever that takes me.
How do I handle criticism?
I had to learn a long time ago that I couldn’t let every negative comment or just an opinion for that matter, affect me. Appreciating art literally is the most subjective thing!! My work is not for everybody and I learned that very quickly when my dad straight up told me he didn’t like one of the pieces I created very early on in my career. Dad’s are supposed to support you and tell you everything you do is amazing. Well, that definitely didn’t happen and I have always been grateful for that moment. I realized I had to pay attention to what people were saying and take everything into consideration but not hold it too personally. Sometimes people just like to hear the sound of their own voice. Others have given me great insight that has helped me get to where I am today. But I always promised myself that I wouldn’t let the criticism get to me. If I did, it would be a very gloomy and negative life to live in and I just don’t have the space for that.
What does your art aim to say?
I have always struggled with this question. When someone asks me this, I awkwardly always feel like I need to be impressive and say something like, “This body of work depicts the inner turmoil of the…… or This work represents the shift and instability of the modern political climate.”
But the truth is, my answer is super real and simple. Each piece is always about an emotion or an experience I have had with the hope of putting a positive and calming twist on that specific emotion or experience. There are so many artists that are taking a stance on the serious topics (And I am not saying that we shouldn’t be having those conversations about the tough and serious topics) it’s just that I feel like we need some more joy and positivity in the world. I feel like I was put on the earth to create art that makes you think about the importance of kindness, finding that one thing that ignites passion in your life, encouraging connection in a fast paced technical world and or daring to dream about what your best life could be. All these topics are super relatable and I make it a point to always make people feel comfortable in front of my work. I don’t want to intimidate viewers with a stuffy artist statement. I want people to connect with regular, very day stuff and get them to feel joy when they see what I create.
How do you title your work?
In conjunction with the above answer, the titles of my work have always been one of my favorite parts of my artistic process. When I come up with the emotion or experience I want to paint about, I then write down a bunch of words that depict that emotion or experience. Once I have narrowed it down to one word, I then rearrange that words to make a new word and that becomes the title of the piece. Once people know this about my work, it becomes a game for them to try and figure out what word I have used in the title. The title then gives you insight into what the piece is about. (Click here to see my previous work and their titles. Try and figure out what word I had in mind)
Give us a little insight into Donna outside of the artist
I think a huge part of why I have managed to create a fairly successful art career is because I am not afraid to let people get to know the real me. I am an open book and feel that openness fosters better connection and leaves a lasting impression. Here are a few little fun facts about me……
Favorite color: Turquoise
Favorite beverage: White wine (Pinot Gris) (My favorite local winery is Country Vines in Richmond. Make sure you check them out!
Favorite book: Anything by Robin Sharma (eg. The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari)
Marital Status: Married for 1 year, one month and 8 days to the greatest man on the planet (Paul).
Cats or Dogs?: DOGS DOGS DOSG!!!! (sorry cat lovers) 3 years ago Paul and I brought home the sweetest, most energetic maltipoo you could get your hands on. We named her Wallis (like after Wallis Simpson) and our lives have never been the same. She has taught me what unconditional love is and brings a smile to my face a hundred times a day. Best decision we have ever made. Follow Wallis on Instagram @theworldofwallis
Favorite place on earth other than Vancouver: Tanzania
A typical Sunday: Eggs on toast and coffee, a local hike in the mountains with the hubby and Wallis, wine on our patio and a good movie. That or hosting a dinner party which we do once a month.
Random fact about you: I have moved 27 times in 40 years. I love setting up new spaces and creating a home. (I just bought a home in North Vancouver with my husband and sadly he says we are never moving again but I think I am ok with this being our forever home)
For more information about what I do or to see my artwork in person, head down to my gallery in Yaletown and let’s have a chat (1063 Hamilton Street, Vancouver BC). Or if you have a burning question that you just have to ask now, send me an email and I will do my best to get back to you as soon as I can (info@donnagiraud.com)
Donna Giraud
My Top 3 Favorite Paintings (that I have created)
In the beginning, I used to think that I would always remember every piece that I created. But as the years have gone on, and more and more paintings leave the front door each year, it’s actually really tough to remember everything that has been made. Having said that, there are a few pieces that have found their way deep into my heart that I will never ever forget.
My Top 3 Favorite Paintings (that I have created)
I tried to sit down the other day and count how many pieces of artwork that I have created over the last 18 years. (It wasn’t till many years into my career that I started understanding the importance of creating an inventory sheet). But if I had to guess I would have to say about 250 pieces. And the cool thing is, other than the 10 pieces I have in my gallery at the moment, the other 240 have all found their forever homes.
In the beginning, I used to think that I would always remember every piece that I created. But as the years have gone on, and more and more paintings leave the front door each year, it’s actually really tough to remember everything that has been made.
Having said that, there are a few pieces that have found their way deep into my heart that I will never ever forget.
Here are my top 3 favorite pieces I have created.
1. VALE 50x60 inches 2012
If I had a nickel every time someone said they loved VALE and or would buy this piece if it was still available, I would be a millionaire! I still remember looking at the blank canvas as it was laying on my kitchen island in my apartment on Granville Street and putting on the first few brush strokes on this canvas. I never had a clear intention for this piece and I truly let in unfold organically. What did unfold was something that has never left my heart. The balance of composition, the illusion of a vancouver cityscape, and the softness of the colors all came together that day and I can say by far, that this piece has always been my favorite that I have ever created.
People always ask me, how do you let your creations go? Isn’t it hard to give away a part of your soul? The answer is yes. Wholeheartedly yes! But the best thing about letting this piece go was that it found it’s way to my best friend’s house and I know that I get to visit this one any time I want for the rest of my life. So that always made this one a little easier!
2. LIVE 48x72 inches 2017
I have never been more moved from a color palette than from this piece titled “LIVE.” I knew I wanted this one to be bright but what mesmerized me the most was the layers of all the soft blues, pinks, oranges and whites in the top third that bounced off the “in your face” use of turquoise in the middle.
When I was thinking about the inspiration and title of this piece, the world “live” kept coming into my head. I really thought this piece represented the concept of living your best life; Finding those things that spark joy and unapologetically living a life true to you.
I had this one hanging on the wall in the gallery for less than a night and it got snatched up by one of the loviest ladies I’ve met. One of the things that sparks joy in her life is collecting art and I couldn’t have been happier to have this piece go to her.
3. GEETA 48x48 inches 2016
This was a commission piece I did for a lovely couple from Calgary. We originally met at Art Vancouver and they were immediately drawn to my subtle texture and calm, snowy feeling of another piece I had displayed on the wall.
Sometimes you just connect with new people and that is exactly what happened with this couple and this piece for that matter. It was one of the easiest commissions I have ever created. Not easy from a technique standpoint, but easy in how it just flowed out of me. There was something about the couple’s energy, the story behind their recent travels and how they wanted this piece to somehow represent that story. I saw the vision of this piece perfectly and it came out even better than I could have imagined.
I knew that there was a pretty good chance I would never see this piece again in real life, but the couple’s excitement made it that much easier for me to let it go. I know that it is a feature piece in their kitchen and they get to enjoy the energy of it every day and that makes it all worth while.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PIECE OF ART THAT I HAVE CREATED????
I would love to know what piece of mine is your favorite. Send me a screen shot, an email, a text, I’ll even accept a smoke signal. I’m always grateful for feedback and excited to know what piece you love and why? (info@donnagiraud.com or @donnagiraudart)
Donna Giraud
Tricks to Being an Artist
It takes A LOT to be an artist. I mean a lot!! Not only do I have to know how to paint (and well for that matter), I also have to put on the hat of a photographer, an accountant, a PR person, a graphic designer, a writer, an event planner, a salesperson, a retail store front operator, a gallery owner/manager, a social media marketer and oh yeah, a web developer (to name just a few). People always ask me, how have you managed to retire from nursing and be a full time artist? And a thriving one for that matter? What are the tricks to being an artist?
Tricks To Being An Artist
People always ask me, how have you managed to retire from nursing and be a full time artist? And a thriving one for that matter? What are the tricks to being an artist?
As I am in the process of creating online art coaching classes that discuss a variety of topics an artist must know about to be a thriving artist, I suddenly realized (maybe more than just subconsciously) that it takes A LOT to be an artist. I mean a lot!! Not only do I have to know how to paint (and well for that matter), I also have to put on the hat of a photographer, an accountant, a PR person, a graphic designer, a writer, an event planner, a salesperson, a retail store front operator, a gallery owner/manager, a social media marketer and oh yeah, a web developer (to name just a few).
I don’t know about you, but the last time I checked, each of those jobs are their own separate corner of expertise that each require a substantial amount of eduction to be good at either of them, let alone all 12 of them.
No wonder so many artists have a tough time balancing all the aspects it takes to do this creative path well.
So then why do some artists succeed and others don’t?
This question got me thinking and it made me reflect on what I do every day that has seemed to make the difference.
Here’s my top 4 tricks to being an artist that have helped me get to where I am today.
#1
I believe in myself. I’m not the best painter in the world. I have no formal training and I get rejected all the time. But I have built a very tenacious attitude and I always believe in myself no matter what happens. I don’t know if it was something that my parents instilled in me at an early age, or if it has developed over time, but I have found my confidence to be a very helpful habit that has helped me get to where I am today.
As we all know, there are going to be ups and downs in any career path, but sometimes it feels like there are a little more when it comes to being an artist. The process of creating art is already an emotionally charged one; then you add a rejection from a gallery or maybe you don’t make a single sale at a show you just did and you begin to question if this is the right path for you. Sound familiar??? Totally, right? This is the life of an artist.
What we have to always tell ourselves, is that the world needs more creatives. Your art has a place in this world and it has something to say. The right people are out there that will love it and adore it and buy it (see point #3). You just have to have faith and a whole lot of belief in what you do.
#2
I make buying art fun (and often accompanied by a glass of wine). Have you ever been into a gallery or gone to an art show and someone has made you feel inferior because of your art knowledge or no one made an effort to even acknowledge the you are there? Do you then start feeling out of your element and immediately start saying to yourself, “I shouldn’t be in here, I don’t know anything about art?”
Well, I promise you that a) that’s not true, you know lots about art and b) you will never have that experience with me. I believe viewing and buying art should be a positively enjoyable experience. I love to get to know my clients, prospective buyers and anybody else that comes to see my work. I make the conversation light, welcoming and educational without using fancy and pretentious words. All I care about is you feeling something when you look at my art and you believing that you do have a place in the art world despite your level of exposure.
I emphasize this practise most to artists because if and when someone is ready to buy art, and if they had an incredible experience with you, you are going to be the first person they think of when they are finally ready to pull that trigger.
Vancouver has so many incredible artists. Be memorable. Make buying art fun and wow everyone you meet with how awesome you are so you are impossible to forget.
#3
I pay attention to the details. I know I naturally have this talent, but if you don’t, please try and make it a point to learn how to make those special little efforts because the results will be brilliant.
As an example, writing down the couples name you just met accompanied by a little note that you learned about them (ie: they just built a new home in Abbotsford and have a daughter who is in art school) and send them a follow up email later that day saying it was a pleasure to meet them and include those details that you wrote down.
Tell them that you would be happy to come out to Abbotsford with some art so they can see the art in their space and let them know that their daughter can reach out if she ever has any art questions. By paying attention to these details you a) wow them with your ability to remember person details about them b) you give them an opportunity to see your work again by coming to their place and making it way easier on them and c) you wow them again by offering to be a resource to their daughter.
By doing the simplest actions, you have the ability to immediately win people over. Never underestimate the power that a properly place vase of fresh cut flowers on a shelf at your art show has, or how the design of the price tags you use beside your artwork can make the ultimate difference. People know when you pay attention to the details and they will be more willing to invest in you and your work.
#4
I am prolific. This doesn’t have to mean that you are doing an art show or fair every other weekend in a variety of towns and countries (but this helps too). I just mean, try to tell anyone and everyone you encounter that you are an artist. Always have your business card in hand, ready to give out.
I have been in ladies bathrooms and managed to hand my business card out because I overheard one lady yelling to her friend across the stall that she had just moved into a new home and her walls seemed really empty. I have also had the balls to give my card to someone that was at the cashier in Home Sense, buying one of those prints/paintings for $199.00 and said to him, “when you are ready to invest in some original artwork, I’d be happy to help you out with that.”
It’s about seizing the moment and making any opportunity work in your behalf.
Meeting my favorite Interior Designer Amanda Aerin
Being interviewed for Art Vancouver
Now this doesn’t mean you get to be a slimy car salesperson and just randomly blurt out you are an artist to everyone who will listen. Have some class. It means that you listen for the right moment to insert the fact that you create art. 9 times out of 10, people get very interested in this fact and then you the door is open to tell them all about what you do.
The more people that know about you, the better chances you have to connect with people that will buy your art. And once you connect, you do the above three practises and “Bob’s your Uncle!!!”
From first hand experience, I know that it is incredibly hard to be a thriving artist. I by no means have it all figured out and I still do the hustle every day.
Hopefully these little tips can help someone out there create a more thriving practise because what I do know, is that the world needs your art.
