DAC is pleased to promote visual artists by partnering with locally owned clothing store, Crow’s Closet to provide additional gallery space in an alternative and highly trafficked location.  To learn more, contact DAC Exhibits Director, Peter Hay by email.

DEBORAH SUSSEX: ARTIST BIOGRAPHY

My interest in photography began over thirty years ago when I purchased my first camera with a high school art scholarship. At that time, I felt torn between art school and a life of traveling and working adventures. With no regrets, I chose the latter and brought my camera with me. I spent over 15 years in a content, nomadic lifestyle, primarily working as an outdoor educator and wilderness expedition leader, traveling domestically and abroad. In due time, I earned a BA in Cultural Anthropology from Hamline University in St.Paul, Minnesota.

As a fourth generation North Dakotan, I have deep family roots and connections to the prairies and plains, which, along with all wide-open spaces, have been a source of inspiration to me. As a young teen, my family moved to Minnesota, where I fostered a love for the Northwoods lake country and, through friends, was introduced to camping and backcountry adventures.

For 23 years I lived in Ely, MN, on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, where I owned and operated a photography studio and gallery. In late 2012, my husband and I fulfilled a lifelong dream to live in the mountains and relocated from the Land of 10,000 Lakes to the stunning and arid Four Corners region. As an active outdoor enthusiast, wilderness traveler, educator, athlete, and arts advocate, I am delighted to call Durango, CO my new home.

My life as an artist is, yet again, in an exciting new chapter. I continue to experiment in film, digital imaging, small and medium formats. I value the entire process from pre-visualization to capture, to print, to presentation and I thoughtfully apply my personal touch in each aspect.

In addition to my photography, I earnestly pursue pastel painting, for which I have been awarded several grants and scholarships to further my practice and studies. I find that pastel painting, through its organic and tactile methods, inspires me to convey a deep connection to the essence of my subject. I want others to feel the depth of their own passion and aliveness when they experience my art.

Visit Deborah’s website to learn more about her work: http://deborahsussex.com/.