 Donna Beales is an award-winning video producer, published writer, jewelry designer and children's illustrator who has made Lowell her home for more than 20 years. Her video production work has appeared on several major Boston network affiliates as well as E! Entertainment Television. She's most widely known for her work in the New York Times best-selling series Chicken Soup for the Soul.
Recurrent themes in Donna's work reflect her love of classical children's fantasy stories, as well as her Anglo-Celtic heritage. She's currently writing and illustrating a children's picture book.
Her jewelry designs push the envelope of metalworking, incorporating intricate braid work and weaving techniques with precious stones and inlaid glasses. She most enjoys creating one-of-a-kind wearable silver sculptures in miniature and has recently completed a series of pieces featuring Lowell landmarks, called the "Lowell Jewelry Collection."
Donna's works can be seen at Western Avenue Studios.
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ARTIST'S STATEMENT
Donna says: "For me, art is about personal growth. Anything that stretches the mind and the imagination leads to a kind of greater awareness. I create art because in essence it frees me from myself. It takes me outside my limited, myopic self-centeredness, and places me squarely in the hands of God. I become a kind of tool, and a joy flows through me that is unsurpassed.
I'm not sure I create art "for" other people. Often, the act of creation itself is the nexus I seek, and the end result is in some ways immaterial, even the "big results," which I've been blessed to receive.
Yet still, I do savor the moment where I step back and know I've given something my all. Too, I appreciate when what I do gives others joy and pleasure as well.
But the bottom line for me is, "What did I learn in the creation of this work? How did I grow as a human being?" If I can't answer either of those questions, then it's back to the drawing board."
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