About Don

Picture
Self Portrait, 2017
Don’s journey as a visual artist began when he was ten years old, using a Kodak Brownie Hawkeye camera to make black-and-white family photographs. A Virginia native who grew up surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, he treasured the natural beauty of his home state and began using photography as a way to express his devotion to his beloved environment.

While serving as both photographer and editor of his college newspaper, Don broadened his experience and interest in art in general and photography specifically. After graduation, he worked briefly for the federal government, photographing in several locations across the country. Returning to his hometown, he began a long career in public broadcasting while exhibiting his artwork in numerous shows and competitions, earning several honors and awards. Later moving to North Carolina and then to Ohio, Don advanced his professional career while continuing to create and exhibit his original mixed media art, image transfers, and pigment prints. 

Now, as he further develops his personal work, Don experiments with various media and tools to express his artistic vision. As an independent art curator, he is currently the director of Highline Coffee Art Space in Worthington, Ohio.

Artist's Statement
The intricate beauty exhibited by the natural world sparks my artistic passion. Although wide vistas and intimate gardens still hold my fascination, my minimalistic disposition leads me to seek out and take a closer, more abstract view of nature.

​In every season, nature’s splendor and innate order quietly waits to be found and made into an image. It’s nature that presents the art. I merely interpret it from a non-representational perspective. I'm currently experimenting with a variety of mixed media and alternative processes, but much of my work is rooted in the photographic image.  

Whatever combination of media used, creating art is a lifelong journey of discovery. After viewing my work, I sincerely hope you will make discoveries of your own. The wonder is there to find and explore.
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Awards and Exhibits
It is easier to pose nature and less trouble to please.  ―H.H. Bennett
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I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member.  ―Groucho Marx