Hillary Donald: The Self-Taught Artist Who Thinks Like an Architect
by Onyekwusi Glory Oluchi Feb 4, 2025
Hillary Donald’s journey into art is a tale of passion, self-discovery, and persistence. Born in Lagos but originally from Akwa lbom, she grew up in a home brimming with creativity.
Her mother, an artist who works with beads on canvas, and her father a sculptor unknowingly planted the seeds of artistry in their daughter’s heart. Today, through platforms like Art.Africa Hillary Donald, is able to share her unique architectural-inspired creations with a global audience.
“I discovered my passion for art when I was about eight years old. The first thing I ever drew was a human face, and it was perfect!” she recalls. But despite her early talent, she lacked encouragement and eventually stopped creating.
It wasn’t until 2013 that a pivotal moment reignited her love for art. Her father was commissioned by the National Stadium in Lagos to create a statue, and watching him work reignited her creative spark. She picked up sketching and sculpting again, but something still felt missing. Then, one day, she casually played around with cartons and ended up constructing a duplex. That moment was a revelation.
“That’s when I realized I loved architectural designs, it just made sense to me,” she says. But not everyone was impressed. “I remember my brothers arguing with me because they thought it was ugly. They were my first art critics!”
The fascinating part? Hillary isn’t an architect. She never studied architecture or took a formal class, yet she creates with the precision and vision of one. Her first full-scale building project took four months to complete. While she loved the process. she found it incredibly time-consumina and challenging.
Notable Artworks and Their Stories
Hillary’s works are deeply personal, each carrying an emotional or philosophical weight that extends beyond aesthetics.
One such piece, Homestead, is more than just an image of a house-it embodies the essence of belonging and security. It reflects her dream of a place where love, warmth, and stability are ever-present, a sanctuary where one can truly feel at home. Through rich textures and a thoughtful arrangement of elements, she invites viewers to see beyond the physical structure and into the emotions tied to the concept of home.
Another standout piece, Pink Cottage, carries a message of femininity, strength, and resilience. It challenges traditional notions of softness and fragility, presenting pink not just as a color of love and care but as a symbol of empowerment. The artwork speaks to the complexities of womanhood-the struggles, the expectations, and the quiet yet unshakable courage to stand tall and command respect.
Beyond these, her work often explores the relationship between human creations and nature. Somewhere in the Bush juxtaposes raw, untouched landscapes with hints of human influence, reflecting the ongoing interaction between civilization and the natural world. Post by the Fence, on the other hand, is a study of solitude and transition, evoking feelings of introspection and quiet change.
So far, Hillary has created over 30 pieces, and her work is beginning to gain recognition. At her last exhibition, a man approached her, expressing his desire to invest in her as soon as she finishes school. “That was a huge moment for me! It made me realize that my work is opening real opportunities,” she shares. Some of her pieces have even found homes in France, Canada, and other European countries.
The Regret That Still Lingers
Despite her success, one regret still lingers in Hillary’s heart, her university choice. She is currently studying human kinetics at the University of Lagos, a decision she wishes she could change.
“I regret not going to art classes,” she admits. “It was too late when I was ready to sit for the JAMB university entrance examination. I was a science student and had already taken science subjects, so studying art was impossible.”
Yet, despite this setback, Hillary continues to forge her own path in the art world, proving that passion and talent can transcend formal education.
Overcoming Challenges as an Artist in Nigeria
Being an artist in Nigeria comes with its challenges. “I feel that Nigerian artists and their creativity are not appreciated enough. There’s so much talent here, but sometimes people don’t see the value in it. That needs to change,” she says.
Hillary is determined to be part of that change. “One of my long-term goals is to start a program that commends and appreciates African artists and their creativity. I want to create a platform that celebrates and rewards artists, giving them the recognition they deserve.” This vision aligns with Art.Africa, which continues to provide African artists with the visibility and opportunities they need to thrive.
Looking Ahead
Hillary Donald is just getting started. She continues to push the boundaries of her craft, bridging the gap between architecture and art. With her unconventional approach and relentless drive, she is proving that formal training isn’t a requirement for extraordinary creativity.
“I want to continue exploring new ideas, refining my craft, and hopefully bringing more recognition to African artists,” she says. “My goal is to make structural beauty accessible to everyone.” hrough her journey with Art.Africa, Hillary is not only building a career but also redefining how African art is perceived and celebrated worldwide.
