Prior to finding this months featured artisan, I had no idea there was a category in the art world known as "Outsider" art. I am familiar with "Folk Art" and after having looked it up on the net, I found that outsider art is art that is created outside the boundaries of official culture, particularly art created by those outside the of the established art scene. Although there are a variety of terms used to describe "Outsider Art", I most like the term "Self-Taught".
Introduced to "Outsider" and "Folk" art over 10 years ago, my featured artisan
and her trusty assistant
Ziggy
are owners of the Etsy shop
The Lizard Factory
Donna transforms discarded, found, and repurposed materials into whimsically delightful works of Outsider and Folk art pieces.
Donna writes...
"Welcome to The Lizard Factory! Here you will find a variety of funky outsider art made from discarded or found materials. Each piece is lovingly created by me; I sell originals and occasionally a signed, limited edition poster of an original."
Donna's works have inspired me to share with you some of her wonderfully creative works.
I love cats, cat cartoon characters, cat videos, cat pics, etc. I love the diffent ways people portray cats and their individual take on cats. Here's one of my faves of Donna's creations from the "Cats Meow" collection...
An adorable Kitty painted on a 5 x 7 canvas and the sides are painted so as to not require framing.
Here's one that would make a great pairing with a custom "Cat on Duty" sign to hang from a child's or teens bedroom door.
Fun grinning cat faces, acrylic on wood. There are 3 to choose from. Approximately 5.5" x 3.75" and come ready to hand with a sawtooth hanger.
Have Donna create a custom "Guard Cat" sign to go along with the "Grinning Cat" above!
Ziggy, Donna's cat pictured above was the inspiration for this painting. An acrylic on a piece of upcycled wood panelling. The painting hangs from a black silk ribbon and measures 7 7/8 inches wide by 11 3/4 inches long.
Have a custom painting of your own fur baby or one's of a friends to give as gift is something to consider as Donna takes requests for custom works.
I would also like to mention that a contribution in the amount of 20% of the net sales of Donna's cat art is donated to help in the aid of rescue cats. The contribution is made to the organization...
Click on the link above to visit the Sparkle Cat Rescue Facebook page.
Donna's portfolio of paints and works aren't limited to Cats alone, as here are a few examples of her other marvelous works.
It is the first of Donna's new mixed media pieces. This piece measures 19.25 inches by 10 inches. It is acrylic on wood and comes ready to hang. "Which Way" is a signed original.
From her "Flower Power" series
Was created in the spirit of the beautiful fall season. The flower petals are papier mache, created with 100% repurposed materials. The centers of the golden yellow flowers are vintage 1970s wood and cloth buttons and the orange flowers have acorn caps for their centers. The flowers are mounted on wood.
Donna would be happy to work with you on a custom color scheme created just for YOU!
Donna's creations also include a variety of three dimensional works like this wonderful
This funky papier mache creation measures 8.75" tall x 9" long.
"I started out with the intention of creating a bird. No idea what kind of bird or even what color it would be. I just let my inspiration lead the way."
These are just a few examples of Donna's wonderful creative works. To see more or to submit a request for a custom work of art, please visit Donna and Ziggy at
A special thanks to Donna (and Ziggy!) for allowing me to share her (their)
wonderful and delightful creative works.
