Today we’d like to introduce you to Deb Wight.
Deb Wight was born in El Campo, a small town in rural Texas. At an early age, she began drawing and painting everything from cartoons to flowers. Her mother being a crafter and seamstress gave her plenty of materials and support whenever she wanted to express herself. By the time she was twelve, her mother enrolled her in her first formal painting class. The teacher began grooming her natural talent as she went on creating and submitting work into every show possible during her school years.
She knew she was an artist for as long as she can remember. Creative expression is not just a desire; it is her way of life. In grade school, when a project offered a venue for being creative she would participate. All of Wight’s school age years were busy with activities. From age six she was involved in local dance classes. At sixteen she made it onto the high school drill team and the golf team. Wight’s high school offered an art class as an elective and she enrolled every year calling it her “time to play”.
With the support of her parents, she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a minor in business at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Along with her studies, she was also a member of the universities dance troupe. This training paved the way for her multitude of careers. After college, Wight worked as a graphic designer for a national retailer and taught ballroom dance lessons while competing nationally. She was then asked to be part of a modern dance troupe where she also designed all the promotional materials. Over the next several years she moved into massage therapy, fitness training and computer programming while still creating beautiful works of art.
In recent years Wight has chosen to dedicate more time to her true passion, fine art. After many works in pastel, mosaics, photography, acrylic on canvas and stained glass, Wight’s true technique and style came to life. All this study and honing of her skills led her to combining two materials very few artists do, glass and copper. She decoratively solders hand cut art glass onto a field of copper, then through unique textures and patinas she creates an end result that is stunning. When Wight is asked about her artistic influence, she prefaces her response with one class she took with the renowned artist Cathy Claycomb. From there she says she has taken off in her own direction forging her way to creative originality.
Her studio was thoughtfully designed into her home in the Texas hill country. Full of windows, nature inspires her creativity. When Wight’s away from her studio, she can be found doting over her toy poodle, Daisy June. She is truly a member of the family. Wight and her husband, Albert have lovingly spoiled her. They both love to entertain family and friends as well as travel. Their travels always inspire her to create new and fresh work.
Creating positive and uplifting art that delights people has always been Wight’s passion and her mission. Celebrating life and sharing her joy with others is what you will experience when you meet Deb Wight.
Please tell us about your art.
I am drawn to the colorful currents and energy of glass. The perceived movement inspires me to create a certain subject. I often create using nature as my muse, birds, blossoms, trees with an occasional abstract piece.
My desire is to create fine art glass for wall display rather than the window. This led me to combining two materials very few artists do, glass and copper. The idea of combining these two media was exciting to me as I blended the color of glass and the warmth of textured copper. I solder hand cut art glass onto a field of copper, then through unique textures and patinas I create an end result that is stunning. The light does not flow through the piece like traditional stained glass, instead, it refracts off of the copper behind the glass and illuminates the piece beautifully.
When I begin a piece, glass selection begins the process, then moving to image design. From there the glass work must be artfully done, the cutting, wrapping, and soldering must be precise, but it is the surrounding of the glass with melted metal that breathes life into my work. My designs are simple yet commands attention. This is how I came to my unique technique and style forging my way to creative originality. The attention I give to detail offers the viewer many levels of interest to explore.
Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
I believe artists to be an important part of society. As organizations are trying to take the arts out of schools, parents look to artists for ways to inspire their children. I believe art is as important today as ever
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I do many shows across Texas and adjoining states. I also sell off of my website http://www.debwightstudios.com.
Contact Info:
- Address: 320 Fuller Drive
Bergheim, Texas 78004 - Website: http://www.debwightstudios.com
- Phone: 210-508-6750
- Email: deb@debwightstudios.com
- Instagram: debwightstudios
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DebWightStudios/
Image Credit:
Deb Wight
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