We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Fiona Debell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Fiona thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

When I was 18 years old I was lucky enough to go to the Tate Modern in London. When I entered the Rothko room I was physically moved. The scale and colour and depth of his work took me by surprise. I remember sitting on a bench and weeping. The art created such a strong emotional response I became determined to create expressive, emotive art myself, in the hope that one day I too would evoke such a feeling in others. It has happened many times over the years.

It would also be remiss of me not to mention the influence of Helen Frankenthaler. Her ‘Soak Stain’ technique where she created a liquefied, translucent effect that strongly resembled watercolour is certainly something I try to emulate. Whilst I use different mediums, the result is very influenced by her techniques and outcomes.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

In 2014 my world was turned upside down when, with very little notice, we decided to up sticks and relocated from England to Toronto, Canada. What a total sea change! As a creative individual experiencing an entirely new life, with a young family, alone in a new country my artistic journey was set along a path I could never have imagined.

In simple terms leaving behind the comfort and support of extended family and friends was difficult. I was lonely. My kids had school and new friends. My husband had his work and colleagues. I was alone all day, every day. I turned to paint. I had left behind a successful creative business back in the UK, so I set myself on a path of inspiration and reflection. I was painting or creating every day in one way or another. Of course as time went by, connections were made and new friendships forged, but if I had not had my outlet of creativity (and thrift) I think my life on the other side of the world would have been very different.

This big life event meant I had pause and could effectively create my own journey. Over time I worked directly with paint companies and manufacturers and established a very successful business – but all the while my goal was to earn enough from my art to become a full time working artist. And that happened about 4 years ago.

It has not been easy and can be hard to negotiate – Canada is very culturally different in many ways to the UK and yet is also very similar. Adaptability is, I think, the middle name of all immigrants. I’m still learning 9 years in!

One thing I am incredibly proud of is the fact that I created this art entity, that is both emotionally rewarding and financially successful all by myself. I figured it out.

I now get to create every day. It’s not all just about splashing paint around, my background in business and an instinct for marketing have stood me in good stead. All that said, my work is not static. Creativity cannot be canned. I have challenges – be they health (Long COVID left me unable to paint for months) or even product based (my trusty final finish product is no longer manufactured).

The result – my current body of work is evolving. For many years I have worked with ink on large scale canvas. It is an intense process that requires me to wear safety equipment and breathing apparatus. I adore the pieces I am able to create, but the creation process is hard on the body. So I have been playing with different products and mediums. 2023 will see a brand new body of work from me. Partly because I want to chase a different rainbow – the need to try new techniques is strong for me – and partly because art is called ‘practice’ for a reason. Creativity is an emotion for me. I cannot not create and need to see my work change, evolve and develop.

Today I would describe myself as a large-scale contemplative abstract painter. I am well known for my use of conflicting colours whilst maintaining a serenity on my canvas . By creating big, beautiful, pigment saturated abstracts, my intention is to enhance your world.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

2022 was a challenging year for many people. My year started with a positive COVID test on January 1st. And it was a doozie. It has taken me a full 15 months to recover and I am still experiencing symptoms. But I am nearly back to full throttle. I almost feel like 2022 was a ‘lost year’.

At the end of January 2022 I was notified that I had been juried into the Toronto based ‘Artist Project’ which was going to be ‘in person’ for the first time since the start of the pandemic. But I was sick. The show was in 10 weeks and I needed to create a brand new body of work.

For those who don’t know, Artist Project is one of the most prestigious juried-in art shows in North America and features artists from across Canada and the world.

It was one of those pivotal moments. Literally a life goal achieved – to be in the Artist Project – and I was too sick to even walk into my studio. How was I going to do it? Well, as with all things, sometimes you just have to get on with it. So I did.

I created some beautiful pieces. Curated my 15’x5′ space and got so excited I posted the work on social media. And the art sold – good problem to have right? Except with 3 weeks to the show my 3 biggest works were gone. Believe me when I say, panic painting does not bring good results! I had to take a breath, calm down and rest. And I did. I managed to create 2 new large pieces just in time. Did they fit my original design as well as the first options? No. But did I create work I was proud of? Absolutely.

And the show went ahead. And it was exhausting and exhilarating and successful. And I slept for a solid 24 hours after it was done!

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

As an artist I do not expect every person who sees my work to like it. I make pieces that are emotionally attached to me. They are part of my persona and my soul. As I paint I am not thinking about anything other than applying the colour to the canvas and pleasing myself.

It would be extremely arrogant of me to expect a positive review from everyone who experiences my work. I would love non-creatives to understand that it is OK not to like or enjoy an artists output. I want to evoke an emotional response – be that positive or negative.

Having said that, it is important to be respectful. There is never any justification to be unkind, but well meant feedback, positive or negative, will always be welcomed by a professional artist. Just don’t ask an abstract painter to do a portrait of your dog!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.fionadebell.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fionadebellart
• Facebook: facebook.com/FionaMDebell
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-debell-3a7bb0149/