Today we’d like to introduce you to Debbie Wood
Debbie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Art isn’t just a passion for me- it’s instilled in my blood through generations. My great grandfather was a well-known Utah artist, Henri Moser., who painted Bear Lake and Tetons. I attribute most of my talent to him.
I am the oldest of six and a military brat. My father served in The Air Force.. So, while growing up I moved every 2 to three years, My family has always been a great support to me. I remember when I was around the age of 10 he called me into his office and gave me 2 art books to study. My parents are my biggest fans, they paid for art lessons growing up. My first memory I can recall is coloring with my great grandmother while she was laid up in bed. I have had numerous art lessons throughout my life. I studied art in high school and in college along with studying in Europe. I have taken workshops from Dan Wilson, Tina Garrett, Kyle Ma and has studied with Ron Escudero, Carol Merrill and Susan Jarvis.
I enrolled at Weber State University in the hope of majoring in art, but after a slight change of plans received my bachelor’s degree in Social Work.
After working various jobs for the State of Utah, my attention turned to my family. I have three beautiful children, two boys and a girl. When my children were in elementary school I wanted to stay involved so I joined the school’s PTA.
For four years, I helped with the PTA Reflections program. While doing this, I was approached by teachers to help with art in the classroom and help put together art lessons. While volunteering in the school I was approached by a parent asking about art lessons. This is where Debbie’s Art Academy began- in the basement of my home. Debbie’s Art Academy turned into a mobile art business in which I provided art classes, kid’s birthday parties and adult paint nights. I really enjoyed introducing and teaching others the love of art. Debbie’s Art Academy ran for over 12 years until COVID hit and ended my business. Even with it being an unfortunate event, this has given me more time to focus on my professional career. I am currently the Visual Arts Program Manager for Timpanogos Arts Foundation.
I LOVE to paint! It makes me happy. It’s where I can go to escape and feel good about myself. I love that my art can make others happy. I love color, especially bright and bold colors. I love the beauty of the world. I don’t think there is a day that goes by without thinking about painting. It makes me proud when I see paint on my hands left over from creating.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth ride. I didn’t marry until I was 27 years old. Then after 4 years of trying to have kids, I suffered through 3 miscarriages, My husband and I adopted our first 2 children. My first boy was born in Tennessee and my second son was born in Orem. After our second adoption, I became pregnant with our daughter. So my first 2 are 14 months apart and my other 2 are 19 months apart. It felt like having triplets. And if anyone has children, there are many challenges in raising them.
I have also struggled with the suicide of my brother, my sister, my 2 cousins and my brother’s girlfriend. Not a day goes my where I don’t think of them. But I get peace in my faith.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
While my children were in elementary school I started Debbie’s Art Academy. It began in the basement of my house with weekly classes. I loved teaching art and I was then asked if I provided birthday parties. So I began offering birthday parties but living in Eagle Mountain, it was difficult for people to travel to my house for birthday parties. I then mobilized into a mobile art business providing art parties to children, adults, church groups and corporations. When COVID hit it demolished my business I had built over the past 12 years. I then took what would seem devastating and took it as this was the time to work on my professional career.
I currently offer private art lessons to children. I am also the Visual Arts Program Manager for Timpanogos Arts Foundation. I not only teach lessons here, but I also organize art classes for the community and find instructors. I also organize art galleries and shows for Timpanogos Arts Foundation and I also help facilitate the Art Show for Steel Days for American Fork.
I also am working on my professional career as an oil painter. Even though I have been painting all my life I would paint with acrylics. It has been 7 years now since I switched over to oils. I use to be scared of oils but now I love them. I paint a variety of subjects but I gravitate towards Flowers and Food.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I have lived in American Fork for 9 years. I was overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity my neighbors and neighborhood are to my family. They have helped me raise my teenagers and were very influential to them. There is a warmth in this community I really enjoy.
What I wish that there would be more opportunities for artists starting out. I wish there was more galleries, more art shows, and a location to sell our art.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Debb88.faso.com
- Instagram: Debb88
- Facebook: https://Www.facebook.com/debbie.wood.948
- Other: https://www.dailypaintworks.com/Artists/debbie-wood-16254
