About Me

Photo by Kathryn Atwater

I am a painter & mixed-media artist working in Westerly, RI where I share a lovely space overlooking the Pawcatuck River. My life revolves around family, friends and the interaction of the human spirit. My work thrives on personal connections and exchanges. I see my art as an opportunity to ask questions, solve problems and initiate conversations through the exploration of traditional and non-traditional mediums. My hope is to entice those seeking similar exchanges to debate, explore and live creatively. I see this process as ever-changing thus a Work-In-Progress. 


Before embarking on this adventure, I earned an M.F.A. in graphic design from RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology). Working in design allowed me to continue to communicate with the world through the use of color, image, form and content. I saw my work as an immediate and accessible form of art made for a large public with a definitive and finite reason (an event, promotional materials, corporate design). Through "art/design" I found connections, things that needed to be said, words that were transformed into messages. This is how I try to approach my fine art work. I am forever trying to put together the pieces, to make communication worthwhile, beautiful, striking and active. My hope is that I am able to merge both art and design as I progress through this creative life.


As for the poetry...well those are little glimpses into the things that keep me up at night. I use the words to soothe me, to purge the feelings of anxiety, joy, love, happiness, heartache, confusion, want, hope... I write about my dreams and I dream of writing. I share my poetry so that I am not alone and so that you may understand. 

To contact me: 

Email: 

milliedonovan@sbcglobal.net

Address: 

Above Elite Studios 

181 Main Street 

Westerly, Rhode Island 02891