We recently connected with Debby Epps and have shared our conversation below.
Debby , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
After teaching middle school for 33 years, I was finally able to retire allowing me to focus on expanding my career as an artist. I have written and self published my first book: The Art of Fusion: Collage Techniques and inspiration for Mixed Media with KDP Amazon. I have started working on an additional book that will focus on using stencils in mixed media.
In addition i have been developing and videoing an online workshop that will release soon too
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
As a second generation artist, I developed an interest in many disciplines of arts and crafts. My father, who has always focused on fine art realism, was frustrated by my habit of trying so many mediums. Once I discovered mixed media about ten years ago, it allowed me the freedom to incorporate multiple mediums and begin to develop my own style. Starting my YouTube channe allowed me to building an art community and spurred me on to do something more with my passion. I started my online Etsy shop and showing at local art show, such as Art Goggle. Most of my recent art pieces have been focused on collage using papers that I have monoprinted in abstract collage with vintage ephemera. I have had the privilege of working with several clients to create personal pet portraits.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
As a teacher, starting a YouTube channel to share my journey as I began to explore mixed media felt natural and was key. My advice is to just start. I started recording and editing initially but as I subscribed and explored other artist YouTube channels, I started live streaming. This helped me make invaluable connection with other artist and building both a reputation and following of my own. Facebook, Instagram and building an Etsy shop quickly followed.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)
While I embrace many different forms of technology, I am not sure how I feel about NFTs. I am aware of several artist whom have had images of their work ripped off and stolen including stencil and stamp designs along with images of original artwork. I admire those artist who are using technology such as digital collage and programs like procreate to draw/paint illustrations. But I fear that expanding the increasing use of AI technology to create art could make it even more difficult for artist and creatives to build a successful and sustainable careers
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @debbyeppsart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/depps?mibextid=ZbWKwL
- Youtube: https://Youtube.com/@debbyepps
- Other: https//www.etsy.com/shop/debbyepps
