Debra Disman

Artist

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Publications/Interviews

18th Street Arts Center Featured in “Hidden Gems of Santa Monica” TV Show Episode!

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I was thrilled to be a part of the  “Hidden Gems” TV episode   featuring precious, special places places Santa Monica has to offer, including 18th Street Arts Center.

Thank you Jan Williamson, and 18th Street Arts Center, Peter Greenberg and  Hidden Gems, and Lauren Salisbury and Santa Monica Travel and Tourism.

The filming was great fun and the resulting episode a revelation. I learned about magical Santa Monica places and offerings, some of which I had not been aware of despite living there for ten years, and being a part of the 18th Street Arts Center community for several.
https://petergreenberg.com/2025/12/16/hidden-gems-of-santa-monica/.

In the episode, he talks about the lure of Santa Monica’s surf, sea and sun, its signature art scene, and its gems are hiding in plain sight.
“It’s more than just a vibrant Los Angeles community. It’s a destination that is emblematic of the California dream, best known for its beaches, pier, promenade and iconic bathing beauties. It also happens to be the final stop of historic Route 66. But there’s far more to do here than to just soak up the sun. I take you to, through, and high above my hidden gems of Santa Monica.” —Peter Greenberg

Such offerings help us top see place and things, in a whole new way, and I am appreciate, grateful and excited about participating, learning, growing and sharing along with fellow 18th Street Art Center Artists in Residence, Dan Kwong and Lita Albuquerque.

“Thank you so much for your support of this exciting media opportunity! I am so pleased to share that the episode is live. Here’s the link: https://petergreenberg.com/2025/12/16/hidden-gems-of-santa-monica/.” — Jan Williamson, 18th Street Arts Center Executive Director

“The segment will continue to receive broad distribution in the months ahead, including placement in Peter Greenberg’s weekly e-newsletter. This spring, the episode will premiere as the cover story within Season 11 of The Travel Detective, airing on PBS stations nationwide. Approximately one month following the broadcast premiere, the episode will be available globally on Amazon Prime and Apple TV+, followed by YouTube approximately six months later.” —Lauren Salisbury, Santa Monica Travel and Tourism.

WATCH THE EPISODE HERE!

Hidden Gems

Hidden Gems showcases the lesser-known activities not found in most traditional guidebooks or websites.  From regional cooking lessons with local chefs to adventurous sports to cultural experiences, Peter Greenberg uncovers those special yet accessible places that many visitors overlook. Hidden Gems inspires travelers to immerse themselves in the culture and embark on life-changing journeys. Hidden Gems segments appear on PeterGreenberg.com, within the PBS television series, The Travel Detective, and digitally on Amazon Prime and AppleTV+. To watch full episodes, click here.

 

SANCTUARY: Know Safe Space at 18th Street Arts Center 2025

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Hello World.
Welcome to Sanctuary.
How are you doing today?


“Sanctuary” / Know Safe Space expand upon my 2023 piece, K no W Safe Place with the addition of a hanging roof surrounded by an inverted “forest” of knotted colored cords hung from the ceiling in various arrangements allowing pathways to the suspended black sanctuary space. The installation will grow and change over time with the addition of these hanging elements.

Sanctuary: Know Safe Space, 2025, 10′ x 48″ x 48″, canvas, netting, burlap, cord, lace, ribbon, paint, wood

This installation draws upon my ongoing study of the groundbreaking practices of artists Charlotte Salomon and Eva Hesse using artmaking to transcend trauma; research into sanctuary movements and spaces and the use of textiles within these; exploration of the“quipu/khipu”, a record-keeping device made of knotted cords of assorted colors used in various cultures in the central Andes of South America; and investigation into the work of artists who have used fiber-based materials to create environments, structures and shelters including Do Ho Suh, Chiharu Shiota and Tracey Emin.

I will also engage in dialogue with others inside the Sanctuary space, informally videotaping these participants’ response to the installation and their immersion in it, as well as offering “interviewees’ the opportunity to share about their own practices, projects and practices, especially as they relate to 18th Street Arts Center. These short-form videos will serve as an informal archive of our present moment, the role of the creative process in it, and the support and sanctuary 18th Street Arts Center is offering to the community by allowing us to Know Safe Space. If You would like to be interviewed/dialogue in the Sanctuary please contact me at  debra@artifactorystudio.com

Video Interview with fellow 18th Street Artist in Residence Luciana Abait
https://www.lucianaabait.com/
@lucianaabait
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnlPJaaeuB8

Video Interview with Los Angeles-based Artist, Curator, Educator, Costume and Set Designer Snezana Saraswati Petrovic https://www.snezanapetrovic.net/
@saraswatioblak
https://youtu.be/ZCfAOdw27xk


And May You Know Safe Space…

Candid Conversation with Kristine Schomaker!

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“A Candid Conversation with artist Debra Disman: Art, Community, and the Beautiful Chaos of Creative Life“

 

I was honored to be:
Conversation with Kristine Shomaker
Founder and Director of Shoebox Arts

Please enjoy our conversation!

RAW FOOTAGE: With The Artist: Debra Disman Part II

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See VIDEO of the “KnoW Safe Place”

“With the Artist: Debra Disman Part II“
In Conversation with Erika Sukstorf
developer of “raw footage” (more to come)
Please click link to view

Candid Conversation with Kristine Schomaker: “Art, Community, and the Beautiful Chaos of Creative Life””

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“A Candid Conversation with artist Debra Disman: Art, Community, and the Beautiful Chaos of Creative Life“
Conversation with Kristine Shomaker
Founder and Director of Shoebox Arts

It was wonderful to talk with Kristine, and I thank her for this opportunity to share!

“I’m excited to share this heartfelt conversation with the incredible Debra Disman, an artist whose generosity and support of the LA art community never ceases to amaze me. What started as our usual Instagram dialogues evolved into this deeper YouTube discussion about the realities of being working artists in Los Angeles.

In this conversation, we dive into topics that I know so many of us struggle with but rarely discuss openly: the overwhelming guilt that comes with LA’s abundance of art events, the paralysis of wanting to support everyone while managing our own creative needs, and the constant juggling act between community engagement and studio time.

Debra shares her thoughtful daily practice – from morning walks and I Ching readings to the “wonky” reality of studio life at 18th Street Arts Complex. We explore how authenticity means accepting our imperfections (yes, I’m talking about being a messy painter!), the geographic challenges of our sprawling city, and how some of our best ideas come when we least expect them.

This isn’t a polished conversation about artistic success – it’s an honest look at the beautiful messiness of creative life. We talk about anxiety, health challenges, the pressure to attend everything, and the importance of forgiving ourselves for being human. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by opportunities or guilty about not doing “enough,” this conversation is for you.

Whether you’re part of LA’s art scene or creating anywhere else, I hope you’ll find something that resonates. As Debra wisely notes, we all need practices that help us reset and come back to ourselves throughout the day.

Thank you, Debra, for always being such a supportive voice in our community and for being so open about the real challenges we face as artists. Your wisdom and authenticity shine through every word.

Watch the full conversation below, and let me know in the comments what resonated most with you.”

—Kristine Shomaker, Founder and Director of Shoebox Arts

“A Candid Conversation with artist Debra Disman: Art, Community, and the Beautiful Chaos of Creative Life“

Raw Sound: The Podcast with Erika Sukstorf

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In Conversation with the inimitable Erika Sukstorf….
We listen, we talk, we listen again…

Raw Conversation Podcast Part 1:

Raw Conversation Podcast Part 2