Debra Disman

Artist

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Debra Disman

Drawing Spirit Drawing

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Looking back on still relevant drawings….

Although these drawings/mixed media works were done over 20 years ago, I am still looking at them, and they relate to my current work as regards to texture, palette, and the themes of energy, transformation, new media/materials and mixed media,. They feel very related to the work I am doing now. I currently work in the form of the book, in forms inspired by the book, and in new sculptural media of my own devising. Although the work remains tethered to loose definitions of the book as structure, it is moving progressively into other sculptural and conceptual realms where labor, repetition and a passion for the haptic become powerful motivators and themes.

“Fertile World“, 1994, ink/colored pencil, 15 x 11”

“Insert With Care“, 1994, acrylic/collage/mixed media, 5 x 7”

“Pound With Energy“, 1994, ball point pen/collage/mixed media, 11.25 x 4.25 x 1.5”

 

Making Books Together: Creating Folded Fan Books at the Platt Library

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A glorious time was had as families gathered at the Platt Branch Library to create folded fan books together!

The program was designed for children, and families turned out en mass!

Grandparents got into the act!

Working on unique projects, together.

One of the things I love in conducting these programs is the opportunity for parents to have the opportunity to work with their hands alongside their children.

It is amazing how often makers choose colors that they are wearing to put into their work. Was this little fellow influenced by his Superman tee?!

Contemplative siblings focus in on their projects.

All that glitters,

is good!

Working together, but always working. A parent’s job is never done.

This beautiful family with twin daughters hunkered down and created with great joy and gusto.

Encouragement….

Layers of color, texture, pattern and materials created ravishing results.

The “pièce de résistance“….a masterwork of creativity by this proud young maker. Using foam beads he built onto his cover, creating another level of dimensionality, fun, and…intrigue?

Of course!

Books and Cookies

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I am honored to be an Artist-in-Residence at the Sunland-Tujunga Library, supported by the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, conducting a series of bookmaking workshops for the community.

In celebration of the holiday spirit, I taught participants to create the fun and useful “envelope book”, which can indeed be sent through the mail! The envelope book can be used as a book and/or a card, and is an engaging project for the whole family.

The wonderful Children’s librarian Kirsten Xavier laid out cookies, making the whole experience that much sweeter, and adding to the festive atmosphere.


Mother and son work side by side, creating their envelope covers, and adding their folded accordion pages.


Cookies, a butterfly hole puncher and golden swirls, what could be better?! A green marker?!


Families worked together and devoted parents got a chance to create in tandem with their children.

Now that’s the holiday spirit!

All that Glitters….

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As part of my Artist Residency at the Granada Hills Branch Library supported by the wonderful Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs,  I led a “gift bookmaking” program for the community.

As we found out, all that glitters may not be gold, but shiny stuff can be really fun to work with and inspire us to add a jewel-like quality to our handmade books.

Adults and children and teens/tweens alike enjoyed cutting out shapes from shiny, glittery adhesive-backed sheets!

The primary colors of red, yellow and blue never get old, especially when there is a glittery twist!

A very talented young maker created a “jewel”-studded book!

And he is a radiant Jewel himself…look at that 1000 watt smile!

A young reader tried  his hand a t bookmaking, cheered on my his Mom.

 

Here are his younger brother’s very seasonal works.

The fruits of their labor.

 

Participants made their way through the inevitable tangle of colorful ribbon to choose and use pieces to enhance their works.

Ribbon of wonders, just like the participants and their bookish creations!

 

Exhibitionista: Fresh Art

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Fresh Art

November 7  – November 30 , 2019

I was excited to participate in the exhibition “FRESH ART” juried by Donna Seager of
Seager/Gray Gallery, Mill Valley, CA. Donna is known to show Artists’ Books, and is a supporter of the form.
A native of New Orleans, Donna Seager’s education was at the University of Texas where she received her degree in Art History and English. She began in the art business in 1978, working in galleries in New Orleans and was the director of the Marlborough Gallery in Boston before moving to California in 1989. In 2001, she partnered with Suzanne Gray to form Seager/Gray Gallery in Mill Valley, now a cornerstone of the Marin arts community. Donna Seager has distinguished herself for her discerning eye and commitment to the arts. She has served on the board of the San Francisco Art Dealers’ Association and the San Francisco Center for the Book and is currently a member of the Marin County Cultural Commission.  Seagergray.com.

Tour the Show!

“How do you define “Fresh Art”? Something new and different, new to one’s experience, not encountered before, or a new approach to your art. Artwork that is forward or bold, expressive, engaging, stimulating, creative, infused with imagination….”

I showed “Maximum Security”, a mixed media, sculptural Artists’ Book, pictured below.

And though I could not make it to the Opening, I appreciate dear Marin/Sonoma Bay Area friends who did…Laurelyn and Dianna, Thank you!

 

 

 

Making Books Together with CREST Enrichment 2

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Working with children ages 5-10 in the CREST Enrichment Program, teaching them how to create books!

After school, in the Santa Monica Public Schools, children are enriched with sports, homework help, science, technology, language study, and the arts of course!

Here Kindergarten through fifth grade students at John Muir / SMASH Elementary Schools in Santa Monica share and celebrate the accordion and folded fan books they have created with their peers.

      

So. Much. Fun.

And A lot of Learning Too!