Member of the Month

Member of the Month
Debra Gow

Full Name: Debra Gow

Medium: At the moment Acrylic but I taught Watercolor for 20 years plus I did many workshops for students in Mixed Media & Collage.

How long have you been doing your art: Well over 40 years professionally, but even as a little girl I drew, painted, designed things like jewelry.

What got you originally interested in the art you do: Years ago I was asked to teach and instruct abstract art with collage & mixed media, that was my starting point for where I am now. I think I looked at representational art as the correct path to follow but it just never felt right for me. I now feel it was my interest in intuitive & abstract art/artists that got me on my path to a more intuitive way to paint.

What is something you have learned about yourself through your art: I learned to let go of realism and local colours a while back. I listen to my intuitive side and just let the paintings happen. Of course, the technical things still must be correct but I have learned to totally trust my intuition while painting these last few years. I love contemporary art and abstraction I find it much more rewarding and challenging than anything else I’ve done.

What do you enjoy the most about your art: I enjoy the zone I get into in my studio, I put on my music and kind of zen out into painting & intuitive thinking. I enjoy the whole process of setting up to touching paint to the canvas.

What is your favourite joke/quote: My Favorite quote is…. I have 2; “Think about what you want not what you don’t want” & “Gratitude is Altitude” It lifts your soul.

What is something most people don’t know about you: That I have rescued Pitbull’s & absolutely adore them as a dog breed.

If you could teach everyone one art medium or method, what would it be, why: Probably ” Watercolor” because if you can understand the science of that medium you can paint in almost everything else.

What do you think makes art important: I think it’s a universal language that anyone in the world can relate to emotionally & that’s pretty important.

Why are you a member of the Kamloops Arts Council: When I came to the city of Kamloops to check out the art scene I knew getting involved with them would open up the arts & culture for me. They have been an all-around helpful & friendly team with anything you may need.

What are you looking forward to the most in this upcoming year (A special show or project you’re working on): I am looking forward to putting a body of work together for a show, plus attaining my signature status with the Federation in 2022.