About
Name/Age
Donna Howes
Age
53
Where are you based?
Ōtautahi Christchurch
What medium(s) do you work in?
Oil on canvas, photography
How would you describe your creative practice in your own words?
I describe my work as the intersection of structure, creativity and advocacy. I paint Aotearoa’s native birds as flowing stories that blend art, conservation and education. Structure guides how I study the natural world, creativity shapes its visual language, and advocacy gives the work purpose. I’m currently focused on Bird of the Year species and their habitats, and I donate 15% of each native bird painting sale to Forest & Bird.
Which artist has inspired you the most, and why?
M.C. Escher is my greatest influence. His tessellations intrigued me from a young age and made me look for patterns in things. I’m drawn to pareidolia, often noticing shapes others don’t. My way of seeing things has always been a little different. It shapes my fascination with structure, repetition and interconnectedness.
What does being part of the Arts Canterbury community mean to you?
Arts Canterbury means being part of a genuinely connected creative community. I joined in late 2025 thinking I needed to be “exhibition ready”, but quickly learned it’s about support, shared ideas and real encouragement. Being on the exhibitions team lets me contribute to that energy and grow alongside it.
What are you hoping to achieve creatively this year?
I’m beginning a landscape series that focuses on the habitat and whenua of our native manu. Landscapes are an integral part of the NZ art scene. I want to expand my creative scope while I bring awareness to how critical it is to preserve our wild places and the ecosystems our birds rely on.
Tell us about one artwork you're especially proud of. What makes it meaningful to you?
Tara-iti - Tidal Whisper.
This piece feels special because it was the first time I tried a new palette, a smaller canvas, and a looser, more intuitive way of painting. It taught me a lot and it’s been my most well‑received work, with the original selling before it was finished, and many prints sold.
If you could have coffee with any artist, living or deceased, who would it be?
M C Escher - We have quite a bit in common, both Dutch heritage, both fascinated with patterns, both came to their art career later in life. I’d like to talk to him about the universe and the way we see it.
What's one piece of advice you'd give to someone starting their creative journey?
It doesn’t matter your age, your background, or your current circumstances. Art is everywhere and for everyone. You can make art with anything and you can do it every day. Just create. Create for yourself and find the thing or things that drive you. Try things, experiment, give things a go and see what you enjoy.
Are you an early bird or a night owl in the studio?
I usually paint late morning into the afternoon. I’m fortunate to have a room in my home that is my studio space, so I can also go there any time the urge hits.
Which season inspires you the most, and why?
Spring. Especially in Christchurch. I love it when it’s a little chilly, still, and sunny. Nothing beats a tranquil spring morning with that big cloudless blue sky.
