Winniemmay (Donna Poingdestre) has been a full-time artist since 2017 and has a style that I feel is distinctive: Often using strong images of women in her artwork. Working on both large and small scale projects allows Winniemmay to continue developing her technique and unique style.
Having been a fond member of the Fire Monkey Art Collective down at Hotwalls, when I have popped down there I have always had a chance to see her work. The way the colours always look mellow in the background and then black distinctive eyes bounce back at you makes me feel that winniemmay's style will always have individuality and that is what makes this artist stand out for me.
Donna studied at Portsmouth College of art and design and went on to graduate from Portsmouth University in 1994 with a BA Hons in media and 3D design. Around the same time, she started set painting at The Royal Opera House, which was a great opportunity to show off her large scale work.
In the past, Winniemmay has exhibited solo and as part of a collaboration in gallery spaces, painted street art as well as worked internationally. On a local level, she did her first show 'Unsheltered Bones' at Play Dead Studio (based in Southsea) in 2017. This allowed some great pieces to be displayed and a collection that has been building over time in her studio.
St Martins is calling to Donna and so she’s off to continue her studies in Fine Art, which means relocating studios. Instead of taking her entire collection with her, she is going to sell some of her past pieces, offering art fans the chance to add some of her fabulous work to your walls. Selling her art by auction through a sealed bid system (and no reserve) means anyone can have a chance to buy her art. Each day a new piece will be up for sale and with 15/20 pieces up for grabs there’s something for everyone; from canvases to framed work, unframed pieces, and hand-finished prints.
If you would like to bid on a piece of art from the collection then please look out daily on Winniemmay's social media.
Even though Winniemmay is going to be studying in London, her heart will always be here in Southsea and that shows with a future solo exhibition planned at the Round Tower, down at the Hotwalls, on the 13th -16th November 2020.
She’s also collaborating with Roo Abrook (another local artist) this Autumn at the Chapel Arts in Cheltenham on October 16th, so you have even more opportunities to catch her work on display.
Good luck at the auction and let me know if you manage to grab a piece to adorn your walls!
You can check out winniemmay here on social media to see what art is going to pop up over the next 2 weeks and email your secret bids.
Or email Donna privately at Winniemmay@gmail.com
By Louise O'Brien
