Today we’d like to introduce you to Deb Art.

Hi Deb, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?

I’ve been painting and drawing my whole life, ever since I can remember I was super into art, I covered everything I could with my art. My school dress my bag, my books and pretty much every class desk I sat on. I went to a school growing up that didn’t have much going in terms of creative classes there and it made me feel suppressed. I didn’t enjoy my days at that school, for a number of reasons besides that, but in terms of my biggest interests, art was all I really wanted to do. I would be lucky to have 2 art classes a month. When I turned 16, still feeling really suppressed at the same school, I was thinking of dropping out, so I searched for other schools and came across a public school where I was able to do almost entirely art subjects, which was a amazing. I learnt so much and for the first time … I wanted to be in school. This is where becoming a young adult… I knew it was my calling. When I turned 18 for many recent things I had been experiencing, the world felt super heavy for me. I got accepted into an amazing university, but going there when I wasn’t ready, was too much, too soon and I couldn’t handle it at the time.. I was burnt out. I should have waited a year looking back. I became anorexic from stress and it completely swiped out being 18 for me. I ended up needing to live in an anorexia recovery clinic for almost 3 months after being ill all year, and then boom I was 19. When I recovered I started to try connect with creative people and slowly but surely I started to get into the creative world, where I wanted to be. In my 20s I also went back to study and got a graphic design diploma and did some other short courses at university. But it was different to the way young emerging artists have it these days to connect with other like minded artists as we didn’t have internet then. We had magazines, letter writing, TV, books, and the very first versions of a cell phone (after growing up with a rotary phone) We had IRL living until till the internet exploded. We just had a lot more work to get in front of our art hero’s for any advice then young adults have it set up now, at the click of a button on social media. It took a lot more work back then. How ever when things are not easy I think people are more determined to make it. I also started painting when my industry was heavily male dominated and that was another reason for me to push even harder. I have been now working as a professional artist for 2 and a half decades and have been fortunate enough to collaborate or work along side some of the most talented artists in the world. It has been a lot of work and determination to keep on going.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

It has definitely not been smooth. If you read my recent interview with ‘Bold Journey’ I talk about challenges and bumps in the road. Some of the biggest challenges I’ve have have been health bumps I’ve had a few each of which took long roads of recovery and time away from my creativity. I started painting in a time that was so extremely male dominated that I had to work even harder to prove myself and I’m sure many women coming up in my era can relate to this. I’m so glad things are so different now. Art being stolen has always created bumps in the road. Artist use to have less avenues of protection then we do now, less laws were set to protect our rights of ownership then now and when I was coming up, getting ripped off or my work stollen by certain companies or individuals for their financial gain was a problem for me for a while and when it happens, it can be completely draining on the soul destroying trying to make it stop. It’s cool that people like the work but let it belong to the artist. Covid time effected me badly for many reasons and then I ended up in major surgery. I also had a catastrophic injury almost 9 years ago that almost took me and it took a lot of years to recover. So unfortunately not in the slightest has my road been smooth but I seem to have a strong ability to bounce back from a hard time and keep on moving. Got to keep moving forward. I don’t know many people that get to live on a smooth road. Life is bumpy and rocky and full of twists and turns, so it’s important to stay hopeful and determined.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

I paint murals and canvases, I draw, I design, I like to keep it open when it comes to creating. I think I’m better known for my mural painting and gallery art above all else. But some years I’m indoors working on designs it just really depends on the project at hand at the time and how long it takes. My favorite thing to do is painting murals. Being outdoors. Doing something that everyone passing by gets to be a part of and experience.

What sets me apart ? Hmm. I think maybe my general kookiness as a person that blends into my art sets me apart. I’m actually most proud of how many large hurdles have come my way and I’ve always made a come back!

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?

The easiest way to get me is through social media especially instagram. I use it and I check my messages. I can be emailed too. I’m not hard to get in contact with. I respond pretty quickly to messages unless of course if they are inappropriate, I will definitely not respond to those. I always welcome and appreciate being contacted by up and coming artists if they need advice. Younger generation are smart with all kinds of new technologies at their disposal and we can all learn from each other. I get a lot of mail from younger artists over the years especially females, wanting to share that I helped inspire them to become a professional artist. I really value those the most.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deb