Emily Donovan

"The process of finding and foraging the botanical materials to use in my art is part of my seasonal rhythm. I connect with the environment this way and create work to expand our imagination and shares what what nature is showing us."

Emily Donovan, a mixed-media artist creates color for her work using natural pigments primarily found in plant materials. Her art processes include dying paper by hand and drawing and painting with wax and other resists. Her process of creating colors inspirational on many levels. A painting may begin by growing natural materials, foraging or researching and finding other botanical sources. Often each process has interesting histories or traditions shared by cultures worldwide. This authenticity is important to Emily as well as the rich traditions of creating natural color.

Locally, Emily finds an amazing network of natural dyers who share experiences and knowledge. This enriches her craft and brings artists together. Emily has been awarded multiple grants in 2015, 2019 and 2021. She studies natural dyes and pigments worldwide, including residencies in Cusco, Peru and Salzburg, Austria. Her home base studio is in Minneapolis at the Northrup King Building and her award winning work is shown nationally in galleries and art centers.

She is a graduate of the University of Minnesota in Visual Art and Art History.