Debbie New’s art seeks to highlight the inextricable links between humans and their natural environment. She is particularly passionate about lesser known endangered species such as pollinators, and has drawn extensive collections of these creatures as a way of highlighting their importance to our survival.
Her works have been exhibited in Dubai, London and South Africa, and are currently available directly from her website, as well as through a number of art galleries, interior design stores and collectives.
Debbie took Art as a major subject throughout her school career, holds an Honours Degree in Marketing Management, and returned to Art to hone her painting and drawing skills at The Ruth Prowse School of Art. She is currently undertaking the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Programme at the Open College of the Arts in London.
Alongside most of Debbie’s collections, she will launch her Art For Good concept in the UAE, whereby 10% of the profits of all these artworks will be donated to conservation groups close to her heart, such as The Beekeepers Association and Emirates Nature WWF. In this way, these artworks give back, not only in their message to their viewers, but in financial contributions as well.
Artist Statement:
“There is nothing ‘free’ about my pencil portraits. My work in pencil is the antithesis of free. Instead, my artistic process is one of discipline and restraint, which is deeply indulgent for me: I feel that to be able to practice discipline and restraint, while simultaneously existing in a world of instant information and instant gratification, is a form of decadence that adds to the already delightful experience of making art.
For each piece, the pencil is built up layer after layer – much like painting – to create the desired effect on the page, using varied combinations of pencil layers. These different textures have unintentionally formed into a defined style that threads through most of my work – it is one of detail, smoothness, stillness and calm.”
At the moment I sell my art privately, through galleries, retail outlets, boutique interior design firms and a collective.
My sister is my biggest supporter. She is my ultimate partner in crime, co-conspirator, co-agent-provocateur, and the best gift my parents ever gave me.
Debbie New 