I have pondered the meaning of ancient and sacred architecture for a long time. I believe a great deal of knowledge and understanding regarding humankind's relation to the universe is inherent in these structures. This influence finds its way into my designs. Some of my designs are named after specific architectural sites or buildings such as Borobudur, in Java, or an aqueduct in Rome. Seachange: embellishments for humanity, a collection cast in bronze, is more archetypal in nature and focuses on influences derived from sacred geometry - present in nature and many human made forms. Flotsam and Jetsam is a much looser, organic collection that is directly inspired by my life by the Atlantic Ocean.

I would describe my style as poetic conceptual minimalism!

Influences are many and after a while some of those influences become a part of me, morphed by my own sensibilities. Sometimes it's quality of light, movement of water, or music, paintings, sculptures, buildings, or people on the bus. When I travel I love to hang out in a city and try to catch its heartbeat (preferably while listening to my favorite tunes on my iPod).

Inspiration is drawn from places/events/things that assist in conjuring connections toward a reality where ideas and concepts materialize that gnaw away at my conscience until I make a sketch or just start working directly with the medium that seems appropriate.

The techniques I find most interesting are the ones that assist in achieving my vision. I will try anything - fabrication, construction, smithing, machining, or rapid prototyping. I have a soft spot for machining - staring at a spinning lathe every day for a month one summer induced an almost transcendental state! I have always felt that technique follows concept. However technique may lead to wonderful discoveries and it has always been very important to me to understand and master as best I can the processes I use to make my work.

For most of my life I have made sculpture and exhibited in galleries. I went through a period of disillusionment coupled with a need to make money and I pursued work in sales and marketing for a few years. In late 2001 I had transferred to a sales position for a copy company and within a short time was abruptly fired. It was a wonderful event because it brought me up short and forced me to consider what I was doing with my time. I realized that in order to be satisfied with my day-to-day existence I needed to make things. As well, I really wished for this activity to provide a living. I had taken some undergrad courses in jewelry making and I thought I would explore this area. In 2002 I began in earnest and enrolled as a non-degree student in the jewelry department at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design - my alma mater. I worked intensely for two years absorbing everything I could and launched Donna Hiebert Design in 2005.

I have great passion for what I do and I cannot imagine doing anything else.