Debbie Engel Maker Mondays August 2023

Debbie Engel

​Debbie Engel is a mixed media abstract artist who joined SCAA in 2020. She exhibits regularly here, and won the Lorenzo & Elizabeth Kinney award for Best Floral in 2021 as well as the Merit award at the Visual Arts Center in Punta Gorda in 2021, her second home. She was also a featured artist in one of our Member's Invitational exhibits in 2022. Debbie taught Visual Arts at Chariho Regional School District for 30 years where she was awarded Chariho Teacher of the year for 1990-1991 and Charlestown Elementary School teacher the year for 2006-2007. She also received the RI State of the Arts Award in 1992 and Rhode Island Elementary Art Teacher of the year in 2006-2007. Following her retirement, she now teaches Monoprintmaking techniques at here at SCAA in the summertime.

​Where are you from, and what do you make?

I lived most of my life in wonderful South County. My family owned a beach house in Point Judith. On the last day of school, we packed our bags and headed to the beach! My husband and I have lived in Narragansett and Charlestown for the past 50 years. Upon retirement in 2014, we now split our time between Punta Gorda, Florida and Charlestown, RI. 

In 5th grade, many moons ago, I won a local art contest that enabled me to take Saturday art classes at RISD. I can still smell the turpentine that permeated the air as I sat on very high stools at the drawing table. 

Well, the rest is history. My high school art teacher encouraged me to pursue my interest in art and helped me with my portfolio to apply to the Art Education program at RIC. I spent 30 years as a public school visual art teacher for the Chariho School District. I loved teaching and planning engaging and fun lessons for my students. But it really left no time for my own art. It wasn’t until my retirement that I actively started thinking about what kind of art I wanted to make. I took an abstract painting class at the Visual Arts Center in Punta Gorda, and I was hooked.
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I love to say that I am a happy “student” now, learning new art approaches and techniques every day.

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Lorrenzo and Elizabeth Kinney Award for best floral

​What inspires you to create?
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The flora and fauna of living in two beautiful states gives me my inspiration. I enjoy taking notice of the ever changing colors, patterns and textures that surround me everyday and it gives me something to reflect on. Acting intuitively gives me the freedom to explore the many possibilities of creating art.  Concentrating on the art making rather than the outcome gives me great freedom. I have learned to trust my instincts, to improve my techniques and hopefully find my voice.

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​Which artist outside of your chosen medium has had the most impact on your art? What do they do and in what way do they influence you?

I am drawn to the works of Henri Mattise.  His energetic and bold colors, flattened forms, expressive lines and decorative patterns are very appealing to me. Also, his use of collage papers and silhouette cut outs is something I use often in my own artwork.

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​Is there a work of art that has changed your life or how you view the world in some way?

While in college in the early seventies, I took several photography classes. I loved the medium and the places it took me. Capturing candid photos while seeking the “moment of truth” always captured my eye. The first piece of artwork that changed how I viewed the world is the iconic photo of Florence Owens, a migrant worker and mother of seven children during the Great Depression. It was taken by Dorothea Lange (1895-1965), titled “Migrant Mother.” It struck me to the core. It saddened me to think of the impoverished and their daily struggle to survive.  It left an indelible impression on me to this day.

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​As a member of SCAA, what do you like most about us?

I am honored to be a member of SCAA. This true gem in South County is flourishing under the tireless efforts of its administrators, board members, staff and teachers. The constant outpouring of support from its members and community is remarkable. Events like the Great Art Heist, Evening under the Trees, and the Holiday Sale are among my favorites.
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The continuous flow of Juried and Members Exhibits gives its members opportunities to showcase their talents often.

SCAA also has a wide variety of art classes for all levels and the amazing pottery studio is always filled with talented artisans.

​Tell us a joke.

Q. How does Salvador Dali start his mornings?
A. With a bowl of “Surreal”.