Here at Slowdown Studio we love collaborating with emerging and established artists from across the globe. We recently had the opportunity to chat with Deb Chapman, the artist behind the new Scribbly Gum Art Print. Deb creates intuitive abstract work with coloured pencils and acrylic paint on timber boards, drawing from the Australian landscape she lives in.
Who do you think is the most exciting emerging creative in your city/town?
I live in a small country town in regional Victoria called Smythesdale, Population around 1200. I would say my mum Ruth. Although she is not emerging and has been in business here for 25 years. She restores vintage furniture and collectibles which has been a creative passion of hers for her whole life. I admire her resilience, determination and quality of workmanship.
Where are your favourite places to go in your city?
We have a nice walking track that was originally a railway line, known locally as the rail trail. I like taking photos of the nature around me when walking the trail.
What advice would you give to a younger version of yourself when you were starting out in art?
You’ll think you’ve made mistakes, but really they are just miss steps and they will guide you onto the path you’re supposed to follow.
What are you listening to in your studio at the moment?
I listen to true crime stories and also @Softwhiteunderbelly and @mrballen, I also like listening to movies in the background my favourites are The Shawshank Redemption and Forrest Gump.
Scribbly Gum Art Print by Deb Chapman
What inspired your design for this print collection?
This piece is inspired by Australian Scribbly Gum. A Eucalyptus tree we have here in Australia that gets its name from the marks left behind on its bark by the larvae of the Scribbly gum moth.
What’s your favourite way to slow down?
I’ve recently purchased a mirrorless Fujifilm camera I love wandering and taking photos of little unexpected things flowers, grass and things you’d normally walk past. I’m curious about photographing tree bark to incorporate in my art practice.
What’s the most memorable book you’ve read in the last few years?
Fourth Wing series by Rebecca Yarros, I suggest not reading until the full series is released because you’ll want more! My favourite read ever is The Dark Tower series by Stephen King.
What has been the happiest/most rewarding moment of your art career?
This is one of them! And thank you for the opportunity. I love collaborating with companies it pushes me out of my comfort zone and I always learn new things. I’ll always remember the first painting I sold as a rewarding moment. It was when a large bushfire burned almost half of Kangaroo Island in South Australia in 2020 it’s home to the endangered Glossy Black Cockatoos. I wanted to help so I offered a painting to sell with proceeds going to a nature foundation. The painting sold to a family living on Kangaroo Island. I’d never considered selling my work or being a professional artist until that moment.
How does living in your city/town influence your work? Is there anything about your city/town that has defined how or what you create?
Not so much my town but the Australian landscape as a whole.
What are you most excited/looking forward to this year?
I’m really looking forward to seeing this print in people’s spaces. And I’m excited about the possibilities it may lead too. I’m also looking forward to exploring my Scribbly Gum line pieces more and seeing how they evolve.
Instagram: @deb_chapman_art
Website: https://www.debchapman.com/
