Debra Disman

Artist

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Women Artists

WOMEN ARTISTS MAKE THEIR MARK

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WOMEN ARTISTS MAKING THEIR MARK 2024
Co-Juried by Donna Seager of Seager Gray Gallery
and Priscilla Otani of Arc Gallery. 

SEE THE SHOW!

July 23 – Oct 1

Tuesday, July 30 at 4 pm Pacific Time
Zoom Roundtable with Jurors

Download Exhibit Catalog (PDF)

I am delighted to have two works shown in this exhibition:

K no W Safe Place, 2023, 60 x 48 x 48″ canvas, netting, hemp/nylon/cotton cord, lace, ribbon, paint, wood

Torrent and Tangle: Keep Your House In Order, 2019, 10.5 x 25 x 18, book board, hemp cord, paper, paint, lace, ribbon

Please see my works on Page 6 of the Exhibit Catalog

Continuing their annual show devoted to women artists, O’Hanlon Center for the Arts is committed to bringing more gender equity to the world of art. This 16th year we extend our reach around the globe to artists who identify as female.

The works in the exhibition are all created by persons who identify as female.
1103 works were submitted and 79 works were selected for this exhibition.

The curation and presentation of the selected work are exceptional. The  O’Hanlon Center for the Arts  promotes the artists through social media, print media and email outreach.  Please see the printable Exhibit Catalog and the online shows are archived.

Visit their website to see examples of other online shows: https://www.ohanloncenter.org/exhibits/current/

O’Hanlon Center for the Arts emphasizes the creative process and the continued pursuit of meaning and authenticity through observation, exploration, and experimentation.

SOLILQUY: Not Just Talking To yourSELF

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The Bridge Arts Foundation proudly announces the third edition of its Open Call Exhibition Program.  The ‘Soliloquy‘ Open Call Exhibition features 19 talented artists selected from over 100 submissions through a process involving art professionals.

These artists will showcase their work at The Scholart Selection, The Bridge Arts Foundation’s partnered Art Gallery located in Los Angeles from July 13th to August 17th, 2024.

Join Us for the Reception, Saturday July 13,  2-5PM
at The Scholarts Selection
417 South Mission Drive San Gabriel, CA 91776
Opening Reception RSVP

Featured artists include Ryan Bautista, Michele Benzamin-Miki, Ming Chen, Debra Disman, Deanna Dorangrichia, Somaya Etemad, Lanyi Gao, Steve Gavenas, Shanguo Jia, Antonio Kim, Rosie Kim, Hwichan Ko, Vionna Lam, Kai Mao, Janice Nakashima, Isabella Riboni, Isabella Ronchetti, Christopher Lloyd Tucker, and Xiaoxiao Wu.

The 19 featured artists in the exhibition respond to the theme of “soliloquy” through various forms and mediums, presenting their unique journeys of inner exploration.

“Soliloquy” is a solitary discourse with oneself, an intimate dialogue that transcends the confines of external perception. It captures the journey of introspection and self-discovery, where one navigates the labyrinthine corridors of one’s own mind, seeking clarity among the tumult of thoughts and emotions. During their inner reflections, the individuals grapple with existential questions, honestly confronting their fears, desires, and vulnerabilities in solitude.

The 19 artworks showcased in “Soliloquy” also demonstrate the diversity and depth of soliloquy. It is not only a personal dialogue within oneself but also a significant pathway to understanding oneself and the world. Beyond the individual, these artworks collectively underscore soliloquy’s capacity to connect the individual’s inner world with external realities, offering insights that resonate with broader societal issues and enrich human connections.

I am showing: “I Can’t I Won’t I Will I Do”
13 x 71.5″, repurposed cotton table runner, acrylic paint, hemp cord

Special thanks to our jury members, Charles ChristopherHill and Song Xin, as well as curator Tia Xu, for their dedicated work. We also extend our gratitude to Li Tang and Art Yourself Atelier (AYA) for the media support.

ABOUT THE BRIDGE ARTS FOUNDATION

The Bridge Arts Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to harnessing the transformative power of art to connect diverse communities and uplift emerging artists from various backgrounds.

With an unwavering commitment to fostering global understanding and diversity, we amplify artist voices and spotlight their creations both locally and globally. Join us in leveraging art’s power to unite cultures and strengthen global communities.

For additional information and press requests, please contact info@bridgeartsfoundation.com. For more information about The Bridge Arts Foundation, please go to our website https://bridgeartsfoundation.org/, or followus on Instagram (@bridgeartsfoundation).

 READ MY INTERVIEW!

Showing (love) Around

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We Are Doing It All Wrong, Edward A. Dixon Gallery, Dayton, OH, Juror/Curator: Ed Dixon:   “The exhibition is a challenge to artists and viewers to recognize, react and learn about the many ways humanity continually fails itself.  These issues are not always mainstream and sometimes are hidden.” Jurors: Ed Dixon/Stacy Kranitz/Judith L. Huacuja
See the SHOW!
See the VIDEO!

It is not only a joy to “show around” in group exhibitions at various venues around the country, it is a gratifying, enriching  experience,  and a heartwarming one at that, to discover, interact with and support so many inspiring and dedicated individuals,  organizations, endeavors, missions and visions. I meet new folks, but also “run into” friends and colleagues that “show up” in some of the same places: showing at some of the the same shows, sharing in some of the same artist talks and panels, featured in some of the same catalogues and publications. It is exciting to connect, and see both not only an overlap of interests materially and thematically, but also how we all approach things differently, and can learn from one another.

For example, I am currently showing at:
Word and Weft: Visualizing the Word, Webster Arts, Webster Groves, MO, Juror: Noriko Yuasa 
Women. Defining Our Representation, Black House Artist, Juror/Curator: Ellen Mattesi (online)  
We Are Doing It All Wrong, Edward A. Dixon Gallery, Dayton, OH, Jurors: Ed Dixon/Stacy Kranitz/Judith L. Huacuja 
Evidence of Joy, Intersect Arts Center, Saint Louis, MO, Curator: April Parvitz  
Soliloquy, presented by The Bridge Arts Foundation at The Scholarts Selection, San Gabriel, CA
Jurors: Charles Christopher Hill, Xin Song, Curator: Tia Xu  
Whisper, Verum Ultimum Gallery, Portland, OR, Curator: Jennifer Gullia Cutshall  (catalogue)
Interplay, presented by the Surface Design Association at The Dairy Barn Arts Center O’Bleness Gallery, Athens, OH,  Juror: Annet Couwenberg
Northern National Art Competition, Nicolet College Art Gallery, Rhinelander, WI, Juror: Debra Brehmer 
The Circular Ritual of Spring, BG Gallery, Santa Monica, CA, Curator: Susan Lizotte (online)

And earlier this year:
Midway Marvels,ArtBarLA, Los Angeles, CA, Curator: Randi Matushevitz
Materiality Matters, Umpqua Valley Arts, Roseville, OR, Juror Panel: UVA Staff and Pacific NW professionals
Pulp: Book and Paper Arts, Sebastopol Center for the Arts, Sebastopol, CA, Juror: Donna Seager
Fantastic Fibers 2024, Yeiser Art Center, Paducah, KY, Juror: Sandro Tiberi, (catalogue) 
String Theory, The Cultural Center of Cape Cod, South Yarmouth, MA, Curator: Molly Demeulenaere  
Art of the Word, Sasse Museum of Art, Pomona, CA, Jurors: Fatemeh Burnes, Maurice Quillinan, Niamh Cunningham (catalogue)
By the Book,  Artopia Gallery, Arcadia, CA, Curator: Rosie Getz

Through this experience I am able to be exposed to and interact with :
Individuals: artists, curators, critics, collectors, gallery, museum, art center, library and academic/university directors/staff (on all different levels of responsibility and experience and in varying roles,  offices and positions)
Organizations: galleries, museums, art centers, universities/academic institutions, artist studios and alternative spaces (of different sizes, renown, reputation, influence and “status” in the “art world” and world at-large)

I plan to highlight and share about various of these individuals and entities over the next several posts. I will share particularly about Art Centers, which are an enormous source of vitality, creation, care and joy throughout the country and beyond. xxxooo

I begin with Gallerist Ed Dixon, in whose show We Are Doing It All Wrong I am honored to be in.  Presented at the Edward A. Dixon Galleryin Dayton, OH. Of the show says Owner/Curator: Ed Dixon:  “The exhibition is a challenge to artists and viewers to recognize, react and learn about the many ways humanity continually fails itself.  These issues are not always mainstream and sometimes are hidden.” The illustrious jurors Ed Dixon/Stacy Kranitz/Judith L. Huacuja hold a wealth of knowledge, expertise, care and passion among them in addition to many accomplishments.

In a time of such fraught difference, fear, and loathing, it is heartening and illuminating to see and be a part of all of these individuals and entities, making a difference. I have to feel that that all of our work, no matter what the outcome, does make a difference.

Thank you to You all.

 

 

 

Women. Defining our Representation: SEE THE SHOW!

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Women. Defining Our Representation
See the show HERE!

Women. Defining Our Representation
“Women. Defining our Representation” is an exhibition of 31 pieces from 31 woman artists that celebrates the multiplicity of women’s identities, individuality, complexity, and worth. It inspires reflection, understanding and empathy for the diverse and authentic experiences of women by acknowledging accomplishments, reclaiming narratives, exploring gender expression, and sharing personal realities.” – Ellen Mattesi  Director, Black House Artist

Black House Artist is a network dedicated to empowering women artists through exhibition opportunities, professional development, art history education, and creative equality. 

SEE THE SHOW HERE!

I am showing  “Into The Bush”, 11 x 19 x 7 , book board, canvas, sewing thread, acrylic paint


Juror:  Ellen Mattesi, Director, Black House Artist
Ellen Mattesi is an artist and entrepreneur.  She has been immersed in many facets of the professional art world for over 30 years.  Within her own fine art and creative career, she has built and managed art institutions, curated exhibitions, mentored artists in technical expertise and business skills, and fostered creativity for the ethnically and mentally diverse.  This experience has culminated in a passion for championing the success and advancement of women artists. With Black House Artist, she continues this mission through education and activism with a network of artists, collectors, curators, and scholars.

Black House Artist is a network dedicated to empowering women artists through exhibition opportunities, professional development, art history education, and creative equality. Black House Artist supports the professional and personal autonomy of women.  A portion of the profits from this show will be donated to Abortion Freedom Fund https://abortionfreedomfund.org/ and Planned Parenthood https://www.plannedparenthood.org/ Through the purchase of artwork, or by individual donation, please support the rights of women through your economic  power. Thank you for your consideration.

Of Polka Dots and Butterflies: Inspired by Yayoi Kusama

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In what I am calling my “Girl Power” after-school artmaking class (“Making Art Inspired By Great Artists!), my group of seven power artmakers are hard at work creating polka-dotted butterfly books inspired by Japanese Artist Yayoi Kusama!

First up was to learn the correct pronouncement of Kusama’s name…not familiar to the girrrls. Next they created accordion-fold book spines, added the front and back covers, and finally, butterfly wings to the center fold of the spine

Then it was off to the races to add colorful polka dots to their books, in honor of Kusama’s interest (obsession with?) circles, polka-dots, and their endlessness and thus the expression of  infinity the circular shape affords, at least in Kusama’s book (!)

Adding also flowers, butterflies (stickers), ribbons to honor May Day and even using a butterfly shaped hole puncher, the girrrls wowed with their use of materials, their creativity, and imagination to create unique, whimsical, beautiful and stunningly singular works. Just like Yayoi Kusama does with her materials, creativity and imagination!

What a marvelous group. Brava!

Spines folded, covers and wings attached, let the adornment begin!


Weaving ribbons through the holes.


 Can there be any more polka dots?!?


Using the butterfly hole puncher.


Deft use of the polka dot (and other) stickers, which she is adding white texture to (overlaying the original orange color polka dot color on the wings) , which she took out or replaced later, to have just the plain orange polka dots. Just amazing!

Girl Power! Making Self-Portraits Inspired By Frida Kahlo

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My “Making Art Inspired By Great Artists” students all girls aged 7-10, were inspired by artist Frida Kahlo to create their own self-portraits, and I was inspired by their magnificent works!

They  learned how to draw a face in proportion working only in pencil, no color, then added color, still using pencil to retain the delicacy of their line work. Finally they added detailed, designed and imagined backgrounds inspired by Kahlo’s use of Magical Realism. They had the fun embellishing black matboard frames which fit around their drawings with an array of paper and gem stickers, attaching them, and seeing how the frames brought together each piece.

Their process, creativity and learning was a joy to behold!

Behold: Girl Portrait Power!