Discover the Artistry of Donna Reinsel Design Studio

Donna Reinsel: Metalwork, Pain Dolls, and the Wonder of Creativity and Healing

Donna Reinsel describes her 40 years of metalwork and steel furniture design, her experience as a welding instructor, and her current figurative sculpture work, which she calls Pain Dolls. The creation of this work is Donna’s way of making sense of her current second cancer diagnosis. She talks about how and why she makes the pieces, the miracle of creativity, and her journey toward acceptance and healing.

I'm beginning to see a flicker of light at the end of this long dark tunnel I've been in. I was diagnosed with breast cancer (again) in May and I had to step away from life as I knew it. 

My Pain Dolls describe current and past pain and somehow creating them has helped me make sense of what I'm going through.

This is the most autobiographical and personal artwork I've ever done. The dolls are still helping me and I want to keep them together for now. I'd like to show them as a group, and offer them for sale when I feel I can say goodbye to them.