Deborah Lewis is a painter, sculptor and psychologist. Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, she began working in pastel and ceramic in high school, and later studied ceramics with David Furman at Pitzer College in southern California.
As she began to earn a living working fulltime in the mental-health field, Deborah kept her lifelong passion for creating art alive in the wee hours and on weekends. She credits her continued work in mental-health community service and making art to keeping her sane and joyful.
Deborah’s return to her native desert environs after years living elsewhere was a revelation for her. She realized that she never felt totally at home anywhere but Arizona, with its brilliant open skies, blazing heat and unrelenting sun.
Deborah lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband, Paul.
Art articles written by Deborah:
Harold Baldwin: Engaging & Moving Metal Sculptures
Calling Harold Baldwin a “patient” man is an understatement. It takes him months, even years to finish a single piece of artwork. But it’s well worth the wait. Baldwin creates complex and meticulous works that are at once whimsical and engaging. They are moving – in every sense of the word.
Recently, his three-foot high kinetic sculpture at the Shemer Art Center, “Steam Punk Pinball,” had lines of people waiting to crank the handle and watch as two balls moseyed through the piece via bike chain. Everyone slipped into a joyful state as they looked on, mesmerized.
(State) Fair to Excellent: Art Show, Demos & Hands-On Projects
Step right up! The Arizona State Fair returns this week, along with its Fine Arts & Photography Competition & Exhibition. Come see, play and – why not? – buy a piece of wonderful and affordable local art.
very day of the fair (October 7-30) will feature free art demonstrations, with basket weavers, foil sculptors and other artists giving you some tips of their trade so you can make your own magic.
Q & A: Ingrid Donaldson, Metalsmith & Owner of Blink Gallery
Ingrid Donaldson is an artist, art teacher, gallery owner and advocate for local artists. The PHiX visited with her at her Scottsdale gallery Blink. Donaldson proudly reports being kicked out of art school for not conforming. She dumped her corporate job 20 years ago, and made art her main gig.
Knock on Wood: James Schwarz Hopes to Dazzle with Woodchip Mosaics
James Schwarz has a background in theater. Not on the stage, but building it. He's a scenic carpenter, to be precise, surrounded by a world of 3-D art, with all the world his diorama. Schwarz is currently studying ceramic art at Mesa Community College and chiseling his way into the heart of the local art world.
Tieken Gallery Opens to Great Fanfare
Propelling the metro Phoenix art scene up a welcome notch, the new Tieken Gallery is elegant and visually stunning. Conveniently located a few yards from artist Fred Tieken's home art studio (the gallery is in his backyard) at 52nd Street and Gold Dust, this space is definitely a gratifying addition to our community.
Hanging in the Man Cave
Man caves deserve great art on the cave walls. Unfortunately, those men who hibernate in their caves tend to suffer from some degree of taste impairment. If you have a man cave, show this blog to someone you truly trust to help you decorate.
Quiet Gift-Giving Doubts at Shemer Art Center’s Gift Shop
The perfect holiday present doesn’t have to elude you. The Shemer Art Center in Arcadia boasts a gift shop offering hundreds of one-of-a-kind gifts at truly reasonable prices. Each piece is hand-made by famous and up-and-coming local artists.
The Shemer Art Center is hidden in plain sight on the southeast corner of East Camelback and Arcadia.
Read more here ...
Artist Chibuzor Isiogu Brings Focus Through Glass
She goes by the name “Glass Chi” professionally. These words – glass and Chi – combine specifically to represent both her and her art. Chibuzor Isiogu describes herself as glass-like: fragile, yet strong; the sum of the parts greater than the pieces.
The name “Chi” represents a Nigerian spiritual message: “My guiding spirit goes before me.”
Pony Up for the Perfect Gift: Kathy Taylor's Spirit Horses
Artist Kathy Taylor listens to her canvases. Her abstract horse paintings emerge from her acrylic washes, paper and ink and, to hear her tell it, of their own accord. These stunning equine depictions conjure themselves with desert themes, the Old West and Native American myth.
Family-Friendly Art Shopping: Prints for All Ages
Here’s a tip: Have your kids toss those heartthrob-of-the-moment or sports-hero-of-the-moment images. Bag those kitschy decorations, or just give ‘em away.
Bedroom walls provide a cool opportunity for kids to express budding senses of style –with a bit of direction from you, naturally.
Good Boy! Here’s a Biscuit! - Larry McLaughlin's Canine Sculptures
Larry McLaughlin’s little dog sculptures think they’re big. Larry has a pack of “untitled” canine critters about 10 inches high and maybe a foot long. (The dachshund’s specs officially wiggle in a couple of inches longer.)
Boring Walls Are Bad For Business – Adorn Them with Andrew Pielage's Artful Photographs
Let’s face it: Your office needs more than a computer, a desk, a thirsty plant and a few random mementos. It needs walls that tell a story – your story. Whether you “Heigh-Ho” it to a skyscraper or work from home, if you see your customers there, they see you.
Clientele always scrutinizes the setting: after all, they may be paying you. Why not dazzle with stunning yet affordable professional photographs?