I am an artist, a quiet observer of life. I love to watch, and ever since I can remember, as soon as I begin to immerse myself in an image, the drawing process has already began in my mind.
Written words fail me; do not compare to the gratification I receive from beginning to the end of the creation process.
Nuances , shades of dark and light guide me to internalize my impressions. Emotions emerge, character traits emerge in tune with physical features. I am one with my work. The creative process is deeply imbedded in my nature. I draw, l paint, time flies, l enter a realm that cannot be described in words.
Bio
Debb Ferris Bates has a zest for life ! Debb has always been known as the “artsy” one in her family. Which was no surprise, when she took a job at a local sign shop right after high school , in Fredericton. She soon started her very own business and has since continued in the graphic arts . This is where she met her husband and they have two grown children, a boy and a girl.
It wasn’t until the passing of her dear grandmother, that Debb started painting again in 1998 . It was at that moment Debb had found her obsession , to paint …if she could not paint , she could not breathe .
It was then , in 2003 that she took a life drawing class at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery that she met artist Glenn Priestley , now her good friend and mentor, that changed her life and that gave her the encouragement to try new endeavours .
In 2012, with Glenn’s encouragement, Debb applied for the Portrait Artist in Residence for the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame, (and out of thirteen applicants, received the title of NBSHF artist in residence ) to draw six Inductees for their museum , every year and has held this position to present.
ACCOLADES
(2020) Debb’s Cover design was shortlisted out of 880 entries and Debbs design was 1st semi finalist , in a contest held across Canada for Princess Auto Cover Design contest .
(2019) Debb was shortlisted in a Protest Art Contest , to create a design of the meaning of Viola Desmond’s story. Furthermore, her image was chosen by the Commemorative Committee, chaired by Henderson Paris to be part of the outdoor murals depicting the historic event of 1946 on the Roseland Theatre. To be revealed in 2020 at the Roseland Theatre in New Glasgow, N.S.
(2018) 2nd place, for Drawing of “Albert”,People’s Choice Award at Grand Manan Art Gallery
(2017) Faber Castell GmbH of Germany in collaboration with Karl Lagerfeld held an International Design Contest in 2017 ( of what Karl’s studio looked like ) Debb’s design placed in the top 10 amongst 1500 applicants and was the only shortlisted member from Canada.
What does it mean for Debb to create?
“If I could not paint…I could not breathe.” Debb Ferris Bates
Links
http://www.facebook.com/debbferrisbates
http://www.frederictonsocietyofartists.com
http://www.bateslaminating.com
Instagram @ Debbsart
Email : debbsart5@gmail.com
Phone (506) – 452-7884
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