We recently connected with Debra Baxter and have shared our conversation below.

Debra, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

My parents did everything right honestly. My dad is a retired doctor and an incredible landscape photographer. My mom is a quilter and creative genius. I was lucky to always be encouraged and supported with my creativity. My mom was a kindergarten teacher and always had supplies ready to craft and make anything. What I think was the most significant thing my parents did was not only encourage me, but push me to go to an art college because they saw my talent and believed in it. I spent one year at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and then transferred to the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. I later went on to go to Bard college to get my MFA in sculpture. They have always been there whenever I needed them. When I had a show in New York, they were there, when I graduated from Bard, they were there, when I got my Joan Mitchell award they were there. Sometimes people say someone is their “pride and joy.” I feel like I am my parents “pride and joy” and that is the biggest blessing a kid could ever have.

Debra, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a sculptor and jewelry designer who lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico. My work speaks of power plays, vulnerability, and the body. I am known for combining unusual materials: crystals, minerals, glass, metal and stone. I am most famous for my Crystal Brass Knuckles. I made the first pair in 2009 and they immediately went viral. There is now a pair in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian, and in the Albuquerque Museum. They are a mashup of hip hop and new age concepts. In thinking about my work and trying to get to the root of the matter, there are several pieces to it. One is that I believe each material has its own properties, both physical and spiritual. By using those materials, and putting them together, there is a certain amount of transcendence that happens. For me, making is all about trying to rise above the pains of this world and receive information to tell stories about a better and higher level of consciousness.
I am represented by two commercial art galleries: Roq La Rue in Seattle,WA and form&concept in Santa Fe,NM. For some artists the gallery system doesn’t work, but for me they have helped promote my work and get new clients I never would have met otherwise. Additionally, I have 7500 followers on Instagram which has also been a way to meet clients and sell work.
My jewelry line Debra Baxter/Crystal Bomb (dbcbjewelry.com) has been in existence since 2010. The jewelry started because I wanted to put the energy of crystals and minerals on my body for everyday wear. As a business, it helps to have more than one stream of income. It’s a joy when my creations give the wearer confidence or help them feel more powerful.
My newest venture is working on an artist mentoring program. It’s currently in its trial period but I will soon be taking clients working one on one with me over zoom. I’m mainly looking at their goals and how to achieve them both by working systematically and intuitively. After doing this for 30 years I know a thing or two about navigating the art world and trusting my gut.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of my earliest stories of resilience and rejection is when in high school. I wanted nothing more than to get accepted to the Kansas City Art Institute. Instead of going out a lot on weekends, I would stay home and paint and draw working on my portfolio for their open portfolio day. When we went to the portfolio day in Kansas City I was told my work was not good enough to be accepted to their college. I was only 17 and cried the three-hour drive home. My entire life was revolving around this and I felt like I had done all this hard work for nothing. Obviously, I didn’t give up. Being an artist is about allowing yourself to take risks and fail in the studio. Also, it’s important to get used to being rejected over and over and over. A huge part of being an artist is knowing not everyone will resonate with your work. Honestly, it doesn’t matter. What matters is if you know in your soul that it’s right. The only time I am bothered by negative feedback is when I know in my heart the piece is not that good. Satisfying your own truth should always come first.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

When I can create awe and wonder in another human and myself. When the work feels transcendent to this world and becomes another way of knowing. Our world has become more interested in speed and information than wonder and I deeply believe we need to slow down and enjoy the wonders in life.

Contact Info:

• Website: debrabaxter.com
  
• Instagram: debrabaxterstudio
  
• Facebook: Debra Baxter Studio
  
• Linkedin: Debra Baxter

Image Credits

Photos by Kim Richardson, Portrait by Suzanne Finley