After many years of art being her hobby, Lou decided to make it her career after discovering the exciting new canvas of wood and wood burning.  A self-taught pyrography artist she is now experienced in this method using locally sourced and sustainable wood. Using this slightly unpredictable and unconventional technique plus no luxury of colour she uses pyrography and engraving to bring her designs to life. New Ember was born and she now offers unique collectible wooden homeware and timeless collections.

Her influences first and foremost are her father and professional artist John Donaldson teaching her to see the world through artistic eyes from a young age. That coupled with her overwhelming love and inspiration for nature provided by her surrounding Devonian landscape and coast.

She has been featured by interior design bloggers – The Design Sheppard and Kyla Magrath and Interior Designers Yellow Brick Road Designs. Also Magnet Kitchens, The Natural Hire Company, Devon Life, and more. Her work can be found at various stockists in the South Hams including The Avon Mill Gallery. She will be participating in the S.H.A.F. Arts Trail this year and in previous years has taken part in The Present Maker Exhibition and the Craft Festival at Bovey Tracey.

Her experiences and qualifications include Graphic Design, Social Media Marketing Manager for The Photographic Angle, Homeware Nkuku Store Supervisor, and Gallery Manager for both Simon Drew and Mayne Gallery.