Artist interview- Debs Irwin by Frankie Richardson

Meraki student, Frankie Richardson, went to the Artizan collective gallery in Torquay on Sunday the 9th of June 2024. Here is her review of the exhibition and interview with the artist Debs Irwin.

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The Artizan collective gallery in Torquay had many different art forms such as ceramics, mixed-media, textiles, charcoal, printing and painting. I have been to galleries before but this had a wider range of media and artists than anything I have previously experienced, this may be because the aim of the exhibition was to celebrate female artists who work in any type of media.

They invited 50 artists to contribute to the exhibition so there was a wide variety of skills on show. When I was at the gallery there was not many other people at that time but I managed to interview Debs Irwin and she said it has been generally busy throughout and especially on the opening day

I loved how in this gallery there are artists who use it as there studio so you can talk to them and find more out about their work and techniques. When I was at this gallery it made me realise that if you were an artist it would be important to feel as though you're a part of a community. If I was an artist I think I could find it quite lonely so I believe it's important to have these sort of collective galleries. I loved how the artists had studios in this gallery and if I am ever an artist I would consider this option.

Here are a few of my favourite pieces, I love the image with the trees as the colours are so vibrant and the style is unique because the artist has made it their own.

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Interview with Debs Irwin

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What is a typical day like for you?

First I like to go on a morning walk with my dog and get inspired by nature. It is useful for me to observe the world around me.

What is the worst thing about your job?

I would say that the worst thing is trying to stay positive when you're painting and things aren't going right. You need to have a good mindset and ways to problem solve which can be hard when you are on your own. Sometimes I have a break and come back to it another day.

How did you get into a career as an artist?

First of all I did a foundation course in art, then I went on to do a textile design degree, which was very much based on drawing for fashion. I sold work to Monsoon, Marks & Spencers and Next. Then I got a job in the Sanderson studio as a designer which I was in for 10 years. When I had children, that job didn't fit in with family life so I re-trained as a primary school teacher and use my creativity in teaching children. I did a lot of visual literacy; this really sparked enthusiasm from the little ones, it really helped them connect with the written work. The children didn't realise they were learning but they were and loved it. When I moved to the South West, I decided to become a full-time Artist set up a studio at home and that's where I work today!

What advice might you give to someone interested in your career?

Art is really really hard to make a living from but you can still be an Artist and carry on a side-job. You have to be determined and keep going. It doesn't have to be a career, just do it and keep going you never know, it might become a career in the end.

What are your favourite materials/ mediums to use?

I like acrylics also delicate pencil marks and sometimes collage. I might end up using oils because I love the smudginess and softness of them.

What inspires you in your paintings?

It's think it's really important to absorb things from my walks.I love different surfaces and textures (eg bark and shells) and generally any patterns in nature such as the patterns in the sand made by the sea. You look at everything around you, even the patterns that shadows make.

What is the best thing about your job?

Using paint and different colours to experiment within my art. I find it exciting seeing what paint can do.

Which Artists inspire you in your work?

I really love Bonnard and Matisse because of their use of colours. I like sculptures as well, such as Barbara Hepworth, especially the the surface patterns. Hepworth usually makes sculpture out of metals with holes in which is wonderful.

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