Don Makela is a well-travelled man. A gifted artist, Don started his career at the University of Kansas, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and later studied Advertising Design in Denver. For several years in the 1960's, Don travelled Europe, stopping in the winters to work in Italy, England, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. Don has worked just about every job that makes use of his artistic talents and also earned his teaching degree following his Eurpoean travels. Today, Don lives in Kelowna, taking advantage of the scenic beauty and excellent skiing available at Big White.
What do you always find yourself saying?
I tend to say “Will you? (Will ya)” for please. As in, “Pass the salt, will ya?”
My wife hates that and thinks it’s rude, but don’t. So if I say “Will ya?” I hope you don’t think I’m being rude.
If you could spend one day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
There are lots of people Right now, maybe Jimmy Buffet; I’ve just read a novel by him. In his songs and books he takes a light tone and seems like he’d be a fun guy to hang out with. And one of my favorite songs is “Wasting away in Margarittaville”
If you were to receive any existing public award, what award would you like to win?
Any award that comes with a million dollar prize
If you could spend a day with any historical figure, who would you choose?
Politician: Abraham Lincoln Artist: Leonardo da Vinci
What are three things on your bucket list?
1. I’d like to visit a lot of countries I have never been to.
2. I’d like to go on a safari to see African wildlife. To photograph, but not to kill.
3. I just sold my motorcycle after 31 years. But I never went to Sturgis, and I still want to go there when the rally is on.
Please tell us about a defining moment in your life.
Probably when I was born; I don’t remember it though.
If you had an enormous yacht, what would you name it?
Good Medicine. Good Medicine is a phrase used by some First Nations’s people when things are going well. Good Medicine is a book by Western artist Charlie Russell. Good Medicine is my favorite ski run on Big Mountain at Whitefish, Montana. And Good Medicine will be my enormous yacht’s name.
What are you passionate about?
Passionate about? I wouldn’t describe my feelings with that phrase. There are all kinds of things I care deeply about – Family, friends, great paintings, beauty in nature – and much more. Too much to list.
What has been your favorite day of your life, up to this point?
Arriving in Europe for the first time, knowing I was about to buy a motorcycle and travel throughout the Continent seeing all the great art I had studied in University.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Making a living as an artist – it ain't easy.
What is your favorite place to dine in Kelowna?
At home with my wife Kathinka’s cooking, and/or at my daughter’s house with Saskia’s and Francois’ cooking. These people are great cooks.
What is your favorite activity or event in Kelowna?
Skiing Big White on a sunny day with a foot and a half of new powder and someone else buying the beer.
Ice Abstract #9 Acrylic on Canvas 24in. X 36in.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Don Makela, Artist
What does your business/organization do?
Produces art works.
Where can people find you or your business online?
donmakela.com/
If you could achieve one thing within your field, what would it be.
I’m working on an illustrated children’s book, but it’s going slowly. I’d like to see it finished and published.
Where do you want your business/organization to be in 5 years.
Alive.
What would you like to say to your employees/volunteers?
I’m self-employed. Sometimes I tell my employee (me) to work harder.
How does your business/organization impact the community?
Some of my paintings and murals are always in public view.
If you were trapped in an elevator with several wealthy investors from any field, which field would you want them to be experts in? What would you say to them/talk about?
Art investors. We’d talk about art, and they would buy lots of my paintings.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The setting in the mountains with a beautiful lake and skiing nearby. Four distinct seasons, with warm summers, pleasant springs and autumns, and mild (for Canada) winters.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Ten of my paintings are presently on show at de Bakker’s Kitchen, 101-1014 Glenmore Drive, in Kelowna, and will be on display through Christmas. The paintings are watercolor and acrylic landscapes. They are about half local scenes and others made from various painting trips I’ve made to Nova Scotia, Alberta, California, Idaho, and Montana.
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