6500 Humphrey Road, Vancleave, MS 39565
Phone: 228-219-1364
Email: artzlady@cableone.net
A Mississippi native, Debra has lived on the Gulf Coast since 1976. A big fan of sewing, tole-painting, and decoupage in the 70’s, she turned to photography and acrylic-stamped clothes in the 80’s. Debra’s art career really took off in 1991 when she began making award winning porcelain dolls and giftware under the guidance of Sue Wing, owner of Land of Love Dolls. In the 90’s, her love of china painting led her to explore oil painting and eventually turn to watercolor. Never satisfied, she also began working with hand-built and wheel-thrown clay. Her love of the Gulf Coast and the water shows in her choice of subject matter. Her artistic heroes are Paul Jackson – watercolor, Grady Byrd and Marc Poole – drawing, Emmitt Thames – oils, and Susan Freeman – clay. Debra is a realism painter and sculptor and loves to turn a favorite photograph into a work of art.
Debra’s favorite “new” medium is working with copper sheet and wire to create copper repousse, a form of copper engraving and embossing. This is a natural material for a master electrician of more than 30 years. She retired from teaching Electrical Technology at MS Gulf Coast Community College in 2011 and is now training offshore electricians at Shell Robert Training and Conference Center.
Over the years, Debra has been active with the Biloxi Art Association, including serving as President, the Singing River Art Association, and is a life member of the Ocean Springs Art Association. The studio is located behind her home where she resides with her husband Garry, who is a talented musician. Their son, Mike Smith, also one of the studio artists, has received national recognition for his artwork and graphic designs and is multi-talented in music and art like his parents.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Copyright 2017 Artzlady: Artwork and Commissions
All Rights Reserved. 6500 Humphrey Road
Vancleave, MS 39565 228-219-1364 | artzlady@cableone.net
