I’ve been looking at paintings all my life, and been fascinated by every kind of visual art. But I only started to study to practise painting after spending much of my life working as a playwright, teaching writing and bringing up my two sons. At that point, I found the lure of turning something apparently abstract and thinking-based into something physical became too powerful to resist.
I live and work in the lovely Teme Valley. Originally from London, I eventually studied for a BA in Fine Art, followed by an MA. I’m interested in stories, in drama, in relationships and psychology. I haven’t stopped writing and see my painting as closely linked with my practice as a poet. My aim is to find ways of conveying something poetic about a subject through the use of mark making, colour and brushwork. I do make figurative paintings, but as freely as possible. Among many other painters, I love the work of Edvard Munch and Paula Rego.
This summer I shall be exhibiting with fellow painter, Erin Conel, who also works with narrative, though in a different way.
I belong to some informal artist led groups, won the prize for the Midlands in the ING Discerning Eye Competition in 2021, and have paintings in several private collections.
www.debcatesby.co.uk
Instagram @deborahcatesby