Christchurch born Donna-Marie Patterson spends her time between Kaimata on the West Coast, and Christchurch.

She commenced her career in accounting, but decided on arts to 'enrich her soul'.  She is presently studying towards her Masters in Fine Arts (majoring in sculpture) at the University of Canterbury Ilam School of Fine Arts.

She was the recipient of the Parkin Drawing prize - Merit awards in both 2016 and 2018, a Wallace Art Awards Finalist in 2016 and 2017, the Vice-Chancellors Excellence Award in 2015 and 2016 - as well as several other art awards and scholarships.