b. 1964 San Diego, California. Debra Ferries graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire with a BA in Studio Art with an emphasis on painting and drawing, and a minor in Art History. She currently lives in the Pacific Northwest.

Shows and Exhibitions

Wisconsin ArtsWest 38 - Wisconsin 2017

“Geography,” Summer Show - Wisconsin 2018

“Figuratively Speaking,” Summer Show - Wisconsin 2019

Publications

Volume One - Wisconsin 2017, Cover Art Feature

Nature is the inspiration of most of my work. My love of nature started at a young age and there is no denying that the memories of my youth play an integral part in who I am as an artist. Growing up on the West Coast, I was surrounded by diversity within the plant and animal kingdoms. I found myself frequently in awe of the incredible array of flora, beautiful rocky beaches, forests, mountains, valleys, desert. I am drawn to the vivid colors, organic lines, patterns, and textures seen in nature. I frequently choose to work with a vibrant color palette and a variety of materials such as wood, metals, glass, fiber, sea sponge, and various wraps in order to create unique textures in my paintings, textures that I believe infuse an energy and sense of spontaneity into my work.  

In addition to the visual beauty, I have always been fascinated by the freedom that exists in nature, a freedom that seems to be in contrast to what is experienced with human life. In the plant and animal world there is no disillusionment, judgement or hate, it just is, as it is, and without apology.

My art is a reflection of where I am as an artist and a woman at this stage of my life, and so I am certain that as I grow, so will my art evolve, although I imagine a part of me will always strive to find new ways to express my appreciation for the natural world and all of its beauty and chaos.