Debra J. Dunkel

Being involved in the arts has been as much a part of me as taking in air to breath. One without the other would not give me life.  Since the age of 10, I have had the privilege of exhibiting my work.  I have explored oils and acrylics, watercolors, pen and ink, clay, weaving, lithography, photography, sculpture, (both metal and stone), and my latest passion, paper.  The world of paper has ignited a fire in me, and demanded a state of perfection in what I create.  The initial piece of paper directs and challanges the remaining additions to the board.  Extending the boundaries of the piece has become a signature of my paper compositions.

Biography:
Born in Royal Oak, Michigan, I have transplanted my roots many times over.  During my early college years, I lived in northern Michigan, then headed south to the Carolina’s for a stint in the blue ridge mountains.  Finding the south “difficult”, I ventured my way back home and took root on the east side of Michigan in a small port town in the thumb area.  Here I found solace in the importance of family, friends and the passion for art that has always burned inside me.

With my family grown and planting seeds of their own, I eagerly returned to the creative side that lay dormant during the wonder years of children.

Discovering a new medium, creating with paper has taken me to places that challenge my norm, stir my senses, and evoke promise for new direction with it’s explosive energy in me.  The mix of paper and photography has lent itself as a great tool for exploration.

My work is precise, clean and expressive without pre-concieved theme or planning.  The paper gives direction and i am the tool that is controled by it.  It will guide me to new places to reach and capture.

Recent exhibits:

• 38th Annual Eastern Michigan International Art Exhibition 2005
• County Building, Port Huron, MI
• Proper Framing Gallery, Port Huron, MI
• Member and exhibitor - Detroit Artist Market
• Member and exhibitor - Studio 1219, Port Huron, MI

Accomplishments:

• 5 Selections of Merit - Published works in “Patterns”
• First Place Cover Design - “Patterns”
• Certificate of Creative Excellence - 2 Selections “Patterns”
• First Place - “Trends” cover contest and promotional poster design - 1992
• Best of Show - Photography - 38th Annual Eastern Michigan International Art exhibition - 2005

Inspirations:

• Henry Matisse
• Pablo Picasso
• Kurt Schwitters