Ordinary Icons

The latest work of Dona Mara continues the theme of antique barns in our area as subjects. Their character and history speaks of the agrarian life which Vermont is noted for. She calls this series “Ordinary Icons”, documenting the rural beauty and personality of life on the farm in a contemporary style.

Her painting focus involves exploring materials and processes in art making to create a tension using the push/pull of surface and depth. Elements of abstraction and representation can be seen in her many interpretations which place emphasis on shape and color. There are subtle tonal variations and bold line qualities with contrasting hues to interest the viewers.

She values what the Japanese call wabi sabi, finding beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and incompleteness. This aesthetic celebrates the accidental, the hesitant line, the rough rendering with flawed or aged appearance, encouraging authentic existence.