An artist profile of Donna Irvine.
Describe your process of creating a piece. What materials do you normally work in?
Three dimensional work is a great bridge between my work as a prop stylist and my personal projects. But I work in two dimensional formats as well. I use plaster, concrete, graphite, acetone, photocopies, paper, acrylics, oils, inks, kaleidoscopes, fluorescent bulbs, found objects, etc. I love patterns and I’m always doing pattern studies. I take photos and videos of my everyday environment through a kaleidoscope or photocopy found objects to use as a basis of a pattern and then explore that into a finished piece.
What projects are you working on? What do you have coming up, any shows?
I have a few pieces on paper in process at any time, so I’m working on those and some of the videos I shot with a webcam and point-and-shoot camera as studies are now being used in an animated music video. That should be fun. Also, I’m working on another cement cluster installation. I recently did set design for a fashion story which will be featured in the October issue of Creative Review/ UK.
When are you most productive?
My productivity goes up when the dogs walked. I have something great to listen to and a good cup of tea to sip.
When did creating art become something important in your life?
It’s always been important.
What are some of your favorite spots in the city? Some favorite places to go, eat, drink, bike ride?
I ride my bike everywhere. Aimless night rides are my favorite. Going along Commissioners Street, to the Leslie Street Spit Lighthouse at 3:00 a.m. is nice. Especially nice during a meteor shower. Amazing view! Trinity Bellwood’s park, Zoots cafe and Cafe Bernate are some of my favorite spots to sit and relax.
What are you currently obsessed with? Any blogs, pod casts, ?lms, artists?
I keep the book “Patterns in Nature” and “Lapham’s Quarterly” close by. Also, listening to “This American Life” while I work is always good. I ran through all the episodes and am considering listening to them all again. They’re that good.
>What are your thoughts on the Toronto art scene compared to everywhere else you’ve experienced?
I haven’t spent enough time anywhere else to compare.
What is your survival food? Cheap eats for the starving artist?
Jumbo Empanadas in Kensington and blueberry pierogies at Super Kabasa on Roncesvalles.
Any last words?
donnairvine.com and blog.donnairvine.com
