About
I remember the first time I felt beauty in the tremendous power of Mother Earth. I was sitting in an alder tree looking out toward the Eel River although I couldn’t see it, there was too much mist and cloud and the wind was fierce. As I clung to my wind whipped perch all I could see and feel was the squall sweeping upriver off the ocean hitting me square in the face, and at that moment I was held in the breath of her mouth stunned by the beauty and sacred power of the experience. I was about seven years old then and that moment has been the guiding force through my work as an artist.
Philosopher Rudolph Steiner wrote- “The artist’s task is to raise the world to the sphere of the divine and spiritual.”
For me the natural world is a world of spiritual mystery. Translating my vision of the mysterious to the viewer is my task.
My paintings are visual communications and are meant to be read. Each painting is unique, however I do have recurring themes. The destruction of the Earth, Nature as our sanctuary and humanity’s melding with technology are recurring subjects. I consider myself an advocate for health and harmony between humanity and Nature. I want the viewer to engage with my vision of Nature’s silent voice, to ponder the message and to be curious.
Influence
Early in my artistic life I was influenced by artist/printmaker Brenda Tuxford. She told me to “Just go for it”. Which gave me license to be bold. My next influence was Morris Graves and the Pacific Northwest School. I am also influenced by the byzantine icons, Fra Angelico, Bruegel, Hieronymus Bosch to name a few.
Technique
I work on rag paper, linen or panel. I paint with oil and egg tempera. I also make my own gesso with the ancient recipe of rabbit skin glue and whiting. I use gold, silver and copper leaf. I paint, abrade, crack and repeat many times. This creates a unique texture and depth to the surface. The size of my paintings vary from a few inches to 8 feet.
Testimonials
Dona Blakely is a Green Visionary her paintings spring from the heart of Mother Earth. You don't just "look" at her pictures-you engage in feeling, and knowing, WITH them, as they murmur the location of your true belonging. Her paintings settle your heart, while simultaneously unsettling your conscience, prompting you to ask "what more can I do?" to preserve the Eden of this planet.
Her art is luminescently mysterious, blood-direct and an invitation to return to our true Home.
Susan Hagemann, Healer,Writer, Grandmother
Conjuring the Breath of Life
The Paintings in the exhibition “Understories” depict my vision as stories. Each story is hidden underneath obvious imagery but when the viewer looks closer hopefully they see a curious twist that compels them to delve deeper and discover the story beneath. It is my goal as an artist to be a guide to the stories beneath, to the understories. October 2025
I wish to give a huge Thank You to my family and friends for helping make my exhibition a wonderful success.