We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Debra Broz . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Debra below.

Debra , appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

After I got my BFA I moved to Austin, and I randomly and luckily found a job as an assistant to a ceramics restorer. The person who trained me had been doing it for 20 years, and he taught me what I know. There was a lot of other art training before that, but finding ceramics restoration tied so many things together for me.
I feel like I’ve learned quite a bit about running a small business along the way. I learned it all by experiencing it, and I’m not sure if I would’ve really understood it if I had tried to learn it more formally (through school). For me, being in business has always been a way for me to stay personally sustainable- it’s not really about getting bigger or trying to speed things up. I’m trying to create this type of economy where I do what I am good at, and it is valued, so I can live sustainably. That’s a slow process.
Skills that are essential… I’ve always been good at puzzles and a problem-solver type. I learned when working in custom framing that I had a knack for matching color which is critical. I’m a perfectionist…that is a skill but sometimes a burden. However, it often works in my benefit
Sometimes learning certain skills can feel very opaque. People don’t necessarily want to share their techniques or materials for fear of losing business… so early on that was somewhat of an obstacle. Now it’s easier to learn anything you want to learn because there is such a huge community of makers online.

Debra , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I grew up in rural Missouri, and I was always interested in art. I always assumed I would get an MFA and teach college, but after I got my BFA, that’s not what happened. I was making art, and working as a custom framer when I moved to Austin and fell into work as a ceramics restorer. Learning ceramics restoration techniques has heavily influenced the artwork that I’ve made for the past decade-plus, and working as a restoration artist has provided me with a way to have relatively stable income and still have time to make my artwork.
In my art, I cut apart and recombine vintage ceramic figurines, mostly animals, into reimagined versions of their former selves. It’s sort of like three-dimensional collage. The works are humorous and tender, and inspired by both science fact and fiction. I show with galleries and museums, and also sell works independently through my website and instagram. My sculptures now live all over the world, and I love knowing that they’ve gone to so many places and so many people love them.
My restoration work is focused on ceramics. I can fix cracks, chips, and even things that have been dropped and completely shattered. I work with antique dealers and galleries, but mostly I work with collectors and individuals who have broken something that they love. I feel really lucky to have a skill where I can erase mistakes that were made in the past and set things right. When I return objects I’ve restored to their owners, the clients are always so happy. Restoration is somewhat of a dying art- there aren’t many people that do it, so I’m glad to be able to continue providing this service to people.
I suppose what I’m most proud of is having created a career where I can make art that is weird and funny and thoughtful, and do restoration work that allows people to hold on to their memories of the past and things that they love.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

If we really want a thriving creative ecosystem, we have to realize that the economic model we use in America– the one that prioritizes constant growth above almost all else– is unsustainable. Creative people need time to be creative, and there are not necessarily clear, obvious deliverables or big monetary outcomes to that work. As a society we need to understand that everyone, with their varied talents, is equally valuable even if they aren’t making loads of money or growing into international brands. If people feel valuable, and are able to access the means to live a relatively comfortable life, they will make amazing work.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I love being able to make things. I love my collectors and clients being happy with the new sculpture that they purchased or the newly-restored heirloom they get to display. The world is very complicated, but it’s wonderful to be able to have these special moments with people by giving them something that will be a part of their life.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.debrabroz.com , www.scienceofartrestoration.com
• Instagram: @zebrazorb
• Youtube: @zebrazorb13

Image Credits

Studio portrait by Maayan Haim
all other photos courtesy of the artist