About the Artist

Dominika Szymanska McDonald was born in Warsaw, Poland; from a young age, she was captured by the magic of theatre, music, dance, classical literature, and painting. She began writing novels, poetry and plays when she was six years old. Her first theatrical debut took place when she was eleven. She lived in the world of imagination and inner reflection, and enjoyed solitude more than anything. Fine Arts was always her true calling in life.

She immigrated to Canada with her family in 1992.  In her early twenties Dominika took part in establishing the first professional Polish theatre "Teatr Popularny" in Vancouver, BC.  She went on to star in numerous plays, comedies and cabarets; two of which she played a leading role: "Widmo" (Apparition) and "Dozywocie" (Annuity) under the supervision of the director - Jerzy Kopczewski.

The scope of the artist's talent and vision extends to painting, writing, soft sculpture, mixed media textile tapestry and jewellery design. She graduated from Simon Fraser University with a bachelor of Arts degree and completed her Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology at the Adler university of Professional Psychology. Dominika opened her private practice in 2007, which has allowed her to combine her interests in Fine Arts with the helping profession.

She believes that Art is a journey that serves as a mirror to reflect one's own growth and transformation, and at the same time it offers a sanctuary from the harshness of the world outside. Art is an outlet that heals and brings purpose to light. A masterpiece is crafted from the hidden details in an attempt to capture the inspirational moments that give beauty to life. Dominika believes that Art is a testimony and a legacy. Each work of art represents a purposeful dance of an artist to preserve the very fleeting nature of life.