Recent Interviews

Picture: Debra at work in her studio

When did you first exhibit with SEOS?
In 2000. I look back and think that in many ways the first time was the easiest. I had so much work to show. My four children ranged from eight to thirteen. I am not sure I could have done it with toddlers. I didn’t mind the disturbance to my home; we just put up a screen to the living room which said ‘private’ so my husband could watch cricket!
I put up about 50 paintings and sold about 20. A lot were bought by friends and family because it was my first real exhibition. I did sell my most expensive painting to a stranger. I was absolutely thrilled and I was hooked into it after that.

Last year you showed as the Dibgate Five. How did that come about?
Well we have a farm and so I have the space. I had done eight years with SEOS and was ACO for the area. Someone rang asking if I knew where she could exhibit as they were likely to have to move house. I offered to share my studio and it’s the best thing that’s ever happened. I had a studio full of rubbish so I had to clear out half- and I never missed a thing! It worked so well it has become permanent.
It’s excellent, really wonderful to share a studio. Talking to each other is valuable.” I like that” or “you should do more” is really useful. I see her in the studio on a Sunday morning and I am motivated to work. Also its lovely with her being at college – she brings lots of young ideas- and I have been able to share her press!
Sharing brings different groups of people to your studio for SEOS so last year with my kids gone we had the Dibgate Five exhibiting. We utilised the ‘playroom’. This year we are the Dibgate Eleven and will be moving into the hall as well. Everyone will be available with their sketch and process books to talk the public through how they make their work which should make it an interesting visit. We will be roping off the stairs like the stately home!

What else has SEOS meant to you as an artist over the years?
I now teach. Two years ago an SEOS visitor wanted me to teach her. I was so nervous but she then bought a friend along and I now have a group of six. It’s very informal so I can go off for a few months if I want to.
I have had some commissions through SEOS. I find them nerve wracking. You are asking yourself if this person will really like this. They always have. Two years ago I got a commission through someone just seeing the image in the Guide.
I also find the Guide gets me opportunities. I have been e-mailed by galleries who have seen my image and want me to exhibit. I have work at two galleries at present through the Guide.
I do find doing SEOS focuses my mind. It inspires me to paint. You have to have all this work finished and hanging on the day.
It will give form to my year even though I have already done two solo shows and commissions.

How long have you been Area Co- ordinator? Do you find it helps your art practice in any way?
Well I get my entry fee free!
I’ve been ACO now for four years. My original group was considerably smaller.
I hold meetings for my artists and they come to me to pick up their Guides so I get to know loads of artists in my own area. I think otherwise I might still be working in a solitary fashion with no one to communicate with. Meeting with them I find out what art activities they are involved in, where they are showing and other art organisations that they are involved with which can be useful.
As a group we show together every winter and for a few each year it will be their first exhibition. It’s a supportive environment for them and we always have good first nights.
Girls from Bradbourne School which is a visual arts college compete to produce a winning work inspired by one of the SEOS works. They win a two hour lesson from the artist and are thrilled to be in a proper studio. And we always learn something from them.

Any last thoughts?
Only that I find having to verbalise my work to visitors is a good way of rounding off my year. I have to look at what I have done and think about how I got there. It’s always humbling to hear comments from other people about ones work. They see things in your work you’ve never noticed. It’s also very useful and stimulates you to carry on working.

Thank you Debra for your time and your hard work as an ACO.

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