As you all know by now, Debbie Schiff won our Madiba Fever – Mandela Day Celebrations. As reward, Debbie has her image featured on our overview page, is also featured a a group member and has her own “solo exhibition” in our group forum gallery. Congratulations Debbie!

Country: South Africa

Introduction
“I live in South Africa and share a deep love for the ‘African bush’, wide open spaces and wild animals.
Creativity is a gift I was blessed with, I have not always utilised it to my fullest potential, but recently I have started taking it a little more seriously.
Painting is my passion….. and watercolours is my preferred medium. I also enjoy photography which goes hand in hand with painting but I don’t profess to be a photographer… it comes from the heart. I have dabbled a bit in pastels, acrylics, pencil drawing, calligraphy, ceramics and anything creative.”

G A L L E R Y : S O L O .. E X H I B I T I O N

I N T E R V I E W

1. How long have you been an artist on the redbubble?
I’ve been a member of Redbubble since April 2009.

2. Tell us a little bit about yourself….
I’m a wife and mother of two teenage boys. I live in Johannesburg and will find any excuse to pack up and disappear into the wild open spaces.

3. How long have you been an artist?
Hmmmmm! for as long as I remember or since I stated drawing masterpieces on my mum’s wall when I was small!!! But a serious artist.. only for about 2 years or so! I did however win a gold medal for a piece I entered in the ‘Rand Show’ Children’s Art exhibition many years ago.

4. What other interests do you have beside your art?
I have a profound love for wildlife and enjoy my escapes to the African bush. Apart from photography which is still in its infant stage of fascination, I love being creative. I have enjoyed decoupage, scrap booking, sewing, beading, and even taught ceramic painting for a few years.

5. What is your favourite work of art in your portfolio and why?
Oh, I’m not quite sure! Each one of my paintings are special is their own way! But I suppose the one I really love most is ‘Best View Point’. I was sad to see the original sold. It was a labour of love doing the spots.

6. What has been your greatest accomplishment as an artist up to date?
In June this year I entered my very first paintings in a juried exhibition – New Signatures Exhibition for the WSSA (Watercolour Society of South Africa)
All three entries were accepted and I sold my first painting as a result of that! That was a wonderfully motivating and inspiring experience for me.

7. Do you have an artist that you admire? If so who and why?
I enjoy many artists…. But those that stand out are Ron Ranson, Hazel Soan and one personally special artist who has been a constant inspiration for me and guided me through my learning of watercolour is mentor and fellow bubbler, Jean Haines . She has a wonderfully clear understanding and aesthetic sensitivity of how water and paint create magic.

8. What are your dreams, goals and aspirations as an artist?
I’ll always be on a journey, a journey of self discovery artistically, the discovery is based on my passion and where my imagination is able to take me. I would love to improve my skills, and enjoy the myriad of artistic possibilities which lie ahead. As an artist and as I’m sure many of you can relate…we see things differently. We see light, shape texture and form in things many don’t see. I do not take for granted the beauty around me and find it fulfilling to create beautiful art for people to enjoy.

9. How does being a creative person and pursuing your creativity affect other aspects of your life?
I enjoy my own company and find myself totally absorbed in my art at times for hours on end. But my family do support me at times, even when I forget to do the dinner.!!!!

10. Does a blank canvas scare you as an artist?
Not always but the possibilities of creativity are endless and a motivating factor to me at times. I enjoy studying a blank sheet of paper in front of me and work quite quickly to complete the piece. I’m an impatient painter. I don’t enjoy spending days on a piece!

11. If you had to identify something in your work that you’d like to improve, what would it be?
Oh, now this is a question I could write a book on. I tend to admire artists of all media who work in a loose style. This is a constant headache for me as I tend to paint very literally with far too much detail.
I love art that looks a bit incomplete, leaving the rest for the viewer to finalise in their mind. It gives the painting so much more excitement when the viewer can create their own interpretations.
I do realise that I have a style that is enjoyed by many, but room for improvement is ongoing and I’ll persevere…… You will notice that some of my art is looser than others…. That’s my loose head niggling me!!!!! LOL

“If you hear a voice within you say “you cannot paint,” then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.” Vincent Van Gogh

Debbie has a website you might want to visit……

The following paintings are not in Debbie’s portfolio at Redbubble, you can view them at her website:

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Debbie’s final words:

“Thanks once again for a really fun Group… I’m absolutely enjoying myself here”

Congratulations Debbie on a wonderful solo and also congratulations to the group for such a fantastic interrview with many interesting questions.

Debbie your body of work looks absolutely stunning. Your use of clean fresh colour that sings to the viewer is outstanding.Your passion for your subjects shines through most definitely especially in your South African collection. Here the “music” with the brush is louder and clearer. You are at one with the painting and that feels so wonderful to witness. Your versatility is brilliant and I know you will be in many exhibitions in the future.

I am really honoured ,delighted and touched to know you, to have been a part of your watercolour journey and possibly the " wind beneath your wings" at one stage but dear Debbie,you are flying solo and soaring so beautifully. I know many artists will be inspired by your work. I know this and I am so excited for you.

Congratulations again and keep shining because you really have a wonderful gift and your talent is one to watch and admire. The wonderful personality behind the paintings is an ingredient that adds that extra special touch.

This is a fabulous solo……….for an incredible artist.

Jean

Oh my goodness…. what a wonderful page! Thank you so much Mariaan. I’m chuffed to bits with it. I appreciate all the time and effort it took to get this together. Thank you!!!!!

Susan thank you too! It has been such fun here at African Art At heArt! And yes!…..you will get there with watercolours

Jean this is a lovely surprise that you popped in and showered me with this wonderful reply! I would like to thank you too personally for the love, inspiration and guidance you have shown me, and yes you have been the wind beneath my wings enabling me to soar! Your generosity and kindness is unfailing. Thank you Jean!

Hugs

Debbie

Thank you Fran. Once an African always an African. I think you will never loose that, this is the magical feeling that connects people spiritually to the
wild life and diverse array of cultures. My best is to hear the sounds of the wild when I’m in the bush…… Hope I will always be able to portray magic in my paintings, specially those close to my heart. Thank you for your wonderful reply and hope you do have an opportunity to visit again sometime.

Hi Debbie….congrats on your Solo Exhibition ….it looks wonderful …GO FOR IT !!!
I love your watercolours a lot ..always great choice of colour and great compositions…you’re an awesome artist!!!
BRAVO !!!!

Congratulations. Fantastic work

Just had a look at your website and loved it!
Love your artwork
Debbie Schiff