Today we’d like to introduce you to Ingrid Donaldson.
Ingrid, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I left the corporate world in 1995 to start on a path that was more fulfilling. Although, always an artist, I truly began to explore and learn the glass casting field. I enjoy the science of chemistry and physics of casting and traveled the country to gain knowledge. I wanted to create holistic pieces and began working in blacksmithing and welding in order to build structures that could house my castings. My work was well received and I began to market, sell and exhibit. In 2003 I was invited to become the Resident Artist of the Glass Program at the Phoenix Center for the Arts. I was responsible for all aspects of teaching as well as growing the program. In 2008, I opened The Blink Gallery on Roosevelt Row in Phoenix, Arizona. Blink Gallery would host up to 10 artists in a variety of media. Showing much success and growth, the gallery maintained its position as one of the premier galleries in downtown Phoenix. In 2011, I decided, yet again, that a new path was needed to strengthen myself as an artist. Always the student and teacher, I went back to school (ASU) to obtain an MFA in metalsmithing/sculpture. I achieved this goal and graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2014. Within a few months after graduation, three momentous changes happened for me. 1.) An opportunity became available to relocate the Blink Gallery to Scottsdale, Arizona. 2.) I was invited to return to the Phoenix Center for the Arts as the Department Head of Glass in order to rebuild and grow the program. 3.) I was invited to interview with Scottsdale Community College for the position of Jewelry/Metalsmithing Faculty. I am established in my current path with these career choices. I rebuilt the glass program at PCA and have since passed the position on to a colleague. I have expanded the Blink Gallery and added another suite that has a full metalsmithing studio where I create and teach. I enjoy my faculty position at Scottsdale Community College and have a full roster of students. My work has expanded to include both glass casting, sculpture, and jewelry. My designs are driven by the sciences and historical perspectives. In continue to exhibit and sell my work both nationally and internationally. I am told often; how lucky I am to be able to do what I love. I believe this to be true, but being a successful artist is not about luck. Being an artist is about hard work, determination, and persistence. Knowing where you want to be, aiming for those goals, and driving forward to achieve them. Never apologize for your art or for being an artist.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Being an artist is never a smooth road, it has distractions, potholes, and challenges as does any part of life. I have a bumper sticker on my car that states: “Attitude is the difference between an ordeal and an adventure. This is my mantra. Just when I think, I can’t handle one more challenge, I revisit the idea of “attitude” and know that I can survive anything.
Blink Gallery LLC – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Blink Gallery LLC founded in 2008 in Phoenix, Arizona hosted up to 10 artists creating in different mediums. The gallery has relocated to the heart of the Arts District in Scottsdale, Arizona. The gallery has expanded to include at full metalsmithing studio where I teach classes and create my work. Blink Gallery offers jewelry, sculpture, painting, and photography for sale. The gallery has expanded to include at full metalsmithing studio where I teach classes and create my work. Blink Studio (attached to the gallery) offers classes in jewelry and metalsmithing. Students can create something to take home in 3-4 hours, can learn several ancient techniques in 6 hours, or can delve fully into 4, 6, and 8-week courses from beginning to advance. I also offer several master level workshops where students can focus on advanced skills and techniques.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up in small town in Ohio, there was a tree on our property that had a branch that hung down like a cradle. I loved spending most days here, enjoying being surrounded my nature and supported in the shelter of this tree.
Contact Info:
- Address: Blink Gallery: 7077 East Main St. #11, 12 Scottsdale, AZ 85251
- Website: www.theblinkgallery.com
- Phone: 4803632225
- Email: IngridDonaldson@cox.net
- Instagram: BlinkGalleryAZ
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JewelryClassesScottsdale/
- Other: www.ingriddonaldsondesign.com
Image Credit:
Ingrid Donaldson
Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
