Debra Andrews
Born in northern Alberta and raised in the rich cultural heritage of Montréal, childhood trips to galleries and summer holidays to the Rockies inspired Debra’s life long interest in art making and the western Canadian landscape in particular.  The mystical landscape paintings of an earlier generation and the dynamics of nature have informed her life as a painter.  After graduating from Ottawa’s Algonquin College School of Applied Design in 1977, Debra moved west to live her life in the mountains.  She has taught Drawing, Design and Painting at Kootenay School of the Arts@ Selkirk College in Nelson, B.C. for over a decade.  Debra still resides in Nelson where she paints and continues to teach workshops on Art as a Way of Knowing.

Artist’s Statement
“I am excited by the rhythms, patterns and cycles of nature and human experience.  My imagery is based on an emotional response to the beauty of life evident in wilderness landscapes.  A metaphysical orientation to life guides me into degrees of abstraction where I can experience and express the freedom and balance I seek.  I love to combine versatile water media and drawing materials in a variety of ways to experience harmony and contrast in painting.  In my work as an artist and educator I have learned that the elements and principles of art are universal.  They can be seen in nature, experienced and expressed in creative process.  Painting is the way I choose to explore the mystery and infinite diversity of life.”