Featured Artist Donna McCullough

Featured artist Donna McCullough presents her portfolio of mixed media sculpture. Enjoy, and visit her website for more from this talented artist.

 

 

I started drawing early. My mom, grandmother and sister are artists, and my dad was creative with carpentry so it was a fertile environment.

I studied graphic design and my first design job was at a retail packaging company. We designed shopping bags and gift boxes. Very fun!

 

 

I continued as a full time designer for many years and then one day I was filled with a burning desire to weld! At that point, I went part time and took a welding class at Corcoran College of Art and Design. That was in 1996 and ever since I have been sculpting. In 1998, I spent a month in Italy studying and carving travertine and marble.

 

 

I am known mostly for my work depicting women’s dresses, which are a diary of sorts that chronicle my life events. The dress sculptures have grown and changed through time – Initially dealing with the treatment of women in the workplace and presently speak of rejoicing in the possibility that life brings; our union with nature and going forth in beauty. The pieces are created from various metals including steel and vintage oil cans.

I have horses, dogs, chickens and a cat. My love of animals has inspired sculptural works of horses, dogs, and various fowl.

 

 

Working mostly in steel, various metals and found objects, I also have ventured into other mediums including clay, stone and wood.

I am currently working on more of the Drill Team – these pieces resemble vintage cheerleader outfits and are a play on words for Drilling for oil and drill team like a precision marching team. The Drill Team was featured in Humor in Craft which was published this year.

 

 

I am also expanding the Kitchen series. These are made from food tins and some have screen skirts.

Degas, Deborah Butterfield, Monet, and Botero are only a few artists that inspire me. I find inspiration all around me. Nature, fashion, animals… just observing and being aware of what is around me.

 

 

As a far as goals, I want to expand into wall pieces and larger work. I am always learning, growing and trying new techniques and ideas.