Donna Haynes Studio

This structure was built as a drafted sketch of creativity. The house exists as a metaphor for the artistic mind. It is constructed with sketchbook pages of thoughts and dreams intertwined like the lace of brain synapses. The video caricature is a vignette of freshly sprung inspirations and embodies the spirit of the imagination.

Photo coutesy of “ART LOFT” PBS Series

Sketchbook pages, video, thread, acrylic, graphite, wood, paper, 2019

Sketchbook pages, video, thread, acrylic, graphite, wood, paper, 2019

These candles encapsulate objects I've collected for years. I've found them in various places and situations and had an affinity for them. By embedding them in resin, I’ve found a way to suspended the objects in time. I believe objects hold power in that they hold specific recollections and anecdotes for individuals. They are the little memory bits we all have collections of that make up our lives.

Dimensions Vary, resin candle forms with found candlesticks, dimensions vary, 2018

Dimensions Vary, resin candle forms with found candlesticks, dimensions vary, 2018

Dimensions Vary, resin candle forms with found candlesticks, dimensions vary, 2018

site specific installation, 2017

Donna Haynes has created an installation about unmade desires that exists in “The Motherload of Invention (in Gold)”. She has used this site specific space to tell her dream using various objects gilded in shades of gold. A performer mimics a continuous zen-like action that the artist herself experiences in the presence of water. The artist accounts having her best ideas in the shower under the constant stream of water. When the water stops, often the inventions have passed through the mind and then become forgotten like shreds of paper.

Detail, site specific installation, 2017

Detail, site specific installation, 2017

Detail, site specific installation, 2017

Detail, site specific installation, 2017

Statement:

Donna Haynes’ installation presents her audience with an alluring dreamlike stage where the atmosphere grasps at the anticipation of summer love and lost innocence. Haynes sculptures were inspired by the feminine idealized romantic perceptions that she grew up with. Nostalgic memories of her childhood home and shared stories of first crushes are presented in various mediums in a theatrical stage set up. The carefree campiness of the early 80’s flourishes in the set design mixing light, reflection, and sound echoing her and others experience and recollections of growing up near the beach and entering the world of love.

The stage has been set. Enter stage left …

96” x 54” x 48” , wood, spandex, sunset video, 2016

Donna Haynes’ installation presents her audience with an alluring dreamlike stage where the atmosphere grasps at the anticipation of summer love and lost innocence. Haynes sculptures were inspired by the feminine idealized romantic perceptions that she grew up with. Nostalgic memories of her childhood home and shared stories of first crushes are presented in various mediums in a theatrical stage set up. The carefree campiness of the early 80’s flourishes in the set design mixing light, reflection, and sound echoing her and others experience and recollections of growing up near the beach and entering the world of love.

The stage has been set. Enter stage left …

dimensions vary, Plexiglass, resin, text, glass crystals, 2016

From the "(Enter stage left), Lights, (Pause) Enter Romance" Installation

canvas-84” x 60”, sculpture-dimensions vary, thread, graphite, wire, acrylic, 2014

This installation revolves around the monster of hate that prevails in our society. The intolerable words on the canvas breed to create the screaming head of hate. It is meant to provoke discussion and dialogue about why we let hatred and judgment rule our lives at times. There is so much animosity in the world especially at this point in time.

While making this piece, I did some of my own soul searching. It is so easy to fall into the trap of pessimism. I have found myself there many times. It is hard to not judge people. But at this moment in time, I believe it is of the most importance to practice tolerance and teach to our communities, our youth, and our world the importance of empathy and compassion. It is an arduous task, but each day is a blessing and keeping negativity at bay will only make our world brighter and full of love.

canvas-84” x 60”, sculpture-dimensions vary, thread, graphite, wire, acrylic, 2014

performance and installation, 8’ x 8’ room, dimensions vary, graphite, tub, shredded paper, 2013

Donna Haynes has created an installation about unmade desires that exists in the “Mother Load of Invention”. She has simulated a space mirroring a bathroom. A performer mimics a continuous zen-like action that the artist herself experiences in the presence of water. The artist accounts having her best ideas in the shower under the constant stream of water. When the water stops, often the inventions have passed through the mind and then become forgotten like shreds of paper.

performance and installation, 8’ x 8’ room, dimensions vary, graphite, tub, shredded paper, 2013

performance and installation, 8’ x 8’ room, dimensions vary, graphite, tub, shredded paper, 2013

performance and installation, 8’ x 8’ room, dimensions vary, graphite, tub, shredded paper, 2013

Installation, two walls 8’ x 12”, printed text, archival photos Oct 2014

My piece “The Writing is on the Wall” for the Hyperstitions Exhibit focused on the hyperstition of alien abduction. The texts are ten documented stories of alien abduction. They emanate from the large scale photos to form the whole living room space. The text informs the photo as the photo informs the stories of abduction.

Installation, two walls 8’ x 12”, printed text, archival photos Oct 2014

“Rebuilding in the Studio” is an installation revolving around my autobiographical story of surviving breast cancer. Each painting was made during the years I battled the cancer. The words on the wall tell my story. It starts “Everyone has their thing…” because I think we all have that life changing moment when we realize our existence. This was my moment at thirty years old. The video is myself washing the words away. It is my version of washing the cancer away. I grew tremendously from the experience, and I’m finally moving on being a survivor.