Debra Disman

Artist

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Work

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.

THE CIRCULAR RITUAL OF SPRING

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THE CIRCULAR RITUAL OF SPRING  CURATED BY SUSAN LIZOTTE

bG Gallery proudly announces an expanded version of The Ritual of Spring featuring round artworks from across the country curated by Susan Lizotte, now available on their online viewing room.

I am showing my work: ” I Smile At You With My Eyes”, made of cut, crushed and shaped magazine pages, repurposed cardboard and acrylic paint, created during the pandemic, relating to mask -wearing and faces being covered except for eyes, which became (and maybe always are) a central means of communication and expression as the rest of the face was covered.

Round art is graphic and can represent infinity, completeness, and wholeness. It symbolizes cycles, inclusivity, and unity, serving as a symbol of revolution and growth.

May 10 – July 11, 2024
Please see this Instagram Live interview about my work in the show and more, with Matt Hoffenberg”

This exhibition, and its in-person sister show, “The Ritual of Spring“, are inspired by Lucretius and his 1st century BC poem De Rerum Natura (“On the Nature of Things”) celebrating Spring and  its changing landscapes, the feeling of happiness given by a new season. Spring brings the urge to travel and show outward personal expression and a desire to celebrate a short lived season that echoes our own lives. 

 

CULMINATING our Journey at the Canoga Park Branch Library

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We culminated my yearlong Artist Residency at the Canoga Park Branch Library, “We Write The Book!“, supported by the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, with a celebration for the whole community! Attendees created their own travel journals, enjoyed refreshments and a slide show of the year’s bookmaking projects, and “take and make” bookmaking packets (complete with materials and instructions)  were available for the taking.

Library staff, the security guard, families, seniors and a group of very special adults all got into the act!
A lovely group of teens helped set-up for the event, then participated by making their own travel journals. They share their thoughts about the event HERE.


Adult and teen librarians Patty and Marcia have a moment to play with materials and be creative!


Branch security guard made a travel journal!


Auntie and niece have a making experience together.


This young makers loves  the color GREEN!


Assorted materials were available, to offer something to everyone.


Participants had the opportunity to socialize while creating, another human need that sometimes gets put on hold in busy lives.


Happy maker Dawn loves to create books and made a beauty with doors that opened!.


Morning making experience together for mother and daughter.


Making creative re-use of available maps and atlas pages!

 
Making beautiful use of materials, Patty is ready to document her travels!


Enjoying the process.


And the pink book develops, with maps!


TEEN POWER!
Creativity knows no bounds…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Boxed Set: Pulp, Paper and Profusion

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I am moved and honored to have my work chosen by the Sebastopol Center for the Arts to grace one of the notecards in a boxed set designed to share about, promote and commemorate the show: Pulp: Book and Paper Arts presented in the Spring of 2024.

Thank  you to SebArts for this opportunity!

 

 

Culminating our “We Write The Book” Artist Residency at the Canoga Park Branch Library!

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Please join us at 11AM on Wednesday June 12, 2024 to  celebrate the culmination of the Canoga Park Branch Library’s year long Artist Residency with Debra Disman, “We Write The Book”, supported by our beloved and supportive Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs!

11AM June 12th at the Canoga Park Branch Library!

Come and make your own travel journal, enjoy refreshments and see a slide show of our exciting year of  bookmaking projects. “Take and Make” bookmaking packets will be available while supplies last so you can keep the bookmaking magic going after the event!

We hope to see you there!