I Believe In Artists: Deb Dunn

Artist Deb Dunn With Her Dog Archer

I find Deb Dunn's art to be very original and distinctive and yet at the same time I always see something familiar in it, like it knows my secrets.  It reminds me of the way a favorite song can express exactly the way you feel even though it was probably written about something deeply personal to the person who wrote it.  I realize that's what artists do, take what seems personal and express it to remind us all that it is universal and vice versa.

I'm sure that you will recognize some parts of yourself and your universe in the art and words below.  Enjoy.

"home to herself " Art By Deb Dunn: "When she felt *lost* she travelled home ... to herself. A time of transformation ... quiet contemplation ... a time to return home to yourself."

Question: I know art speaks its own language but if you had to describe your work in only six words, what would they be?

Deb:  earthy, peaceful, bohemian, multi-layered, whimsical

"a flock of birds" Art By Deb Dunn: "A bright vibrant print filled to the brim with birds, joy and love for our feathered friends."

Question: Who is your favorite artist (in any medium) and how do they inspire you?

Deb: Canadian folk artist Maud Lewis. I adore everything about her unique style, vibrant colors, nature inspired... she painted the world as she saw it. I love seeing a piece of art that stirs an interest in me to learn more about the artist behind the work. The first time I saw a piece of art created by Maud I wanted to know more about her.

"Aurora" Art By Deb Dunn: "The Northern lights illuminate her soul. Dancing prisms move about - glitter, flicker and roll. Aurora Borealis the lights of the Northern Hemisphere luring those far and near. Breathtaking colors that dazzle the eyes and touch the heart with magical skies."

Question: What inspires you to create?

Deb: Nature is my inspiration. Daily walks, quietly and mindfully with my beloved black Labrador retriever Archer fills my head {and heart} with images and words. I am forever grateful to live in such a beautiful corner of the world where on any given day I can choose to walk the woods or the lake.  I often feel I am walking a new painting into existence as thoughts and words will come to me which I will then weave into my art once I return home. 

"whispering ancient wisdom" Art by Deb Dunn: "How did you know what I needed to hear? whispering ancient wisdom into my ear. How did you sense my need to learn more? Everyday I have a longing to know more than the day before. Thank you, dear one, for entrusting in me ... for always opening my ears and my eyes to the beauty. Helping me to hear and to see. Reminding this crone she is never alone."

Question: What is your favorite part of your creative process?

Deb: I often begin a canvas or sheet of paper by taking a pencil and lightly writing the story down. I love that the words are forever intertwined with the paint.

Question: What is the most challenging part of your creative process and how do you meet that challenge?

Deb: Living with chronic pain presents its own challenges. Being mindful of that and pacing myself is a must for me and over the years I have thought up lots of creative (and at times hilarious) ways to modify my surroundings in order to make creating possible. Making sure I have back support, I will roll a bath towel to tuck into the chair, lowering my art Easel when working on large canvases so that I am not stretching my arm, setting a timer as a gentle reminder to get up, walk around, drink some water (staying hydrated is so important) and starting my day with meditation to relax tight muscles. On the days when the physical act of creating isn't possible, I use this as a "quiet, reflective" time and keep a journal to jot down ideas and thoughts of what I want to create. Some of my best ideas have happened during these "down times" and it keeps me from thinking a day has passed me due to pain.

"melodious reservoir" Art by Deb Dunn: "For deep inside her heart and soul the songbirds sang. She kept this melodious reservoir tucked safely inside so she could hear their soothing hum of freedom when she needed it most."

Question: And finally, what does "believing in art" mean to you?

Deb: To me, believing in art means noticing the details of our life, which is our greatest art creation. We design our life's canvas with what we love and how we see the world around us. I want my life canvas to absorb and be filled with as much color and beauty as it can hold!

Thank you Deb for sharing your art and your life canvas with us.  Deb's art is available at her Vintage Sparrow Studio shop on Etsy.  You can also check out her Blog and connect with her on Instagram.

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Until next time, happy creating!

Peace, Love and Art,
Victoria