How long have you been an artist? 

I have been a painter for 6 years. Before that, I created other art forms and even sold things in Sundance Catalogue. But painting is my real true love. 

Who/what are your biggest influences? 

I’ve had many different influences throughout the years and I think they just accumulate and change over time. For years though,  I have loved anything grungy, that has been previously used and loved. So, I gravitate towards work that has the effect of having aged. I try to express this in my work.  One of my favorite artists is Carola Kastman. But I also love Willem de Kooning. 

Briefly describe your process for creating a work of art. 

When I begin a piece of art, I usually know what colors I’m going to work with. I like using a limited palette. Then I start with making intuitive marks on the paper or canvas. I build up layers because I believe that layers are what gives a piece of art interest. Most of this is intuitive as well. 

What do you listen to when you work, if anything? 

I am usually at my studio creating, and although I could wear ear pieces, I usually just like to hear the sounds of the studio around me. 

When do you know a piece is finished? 

When do I know a piece is finished?  That’s the million dollar question!  I think all artists struggle with that question!  Wondering if it just needs a bit more of this or that. But every now and then, it’s very clear it’s finished. It just needs signed and that’s it! 

How has the current shelter-in-place order affected your work? 

The SIP order has forced me to work from home. I think it’s forced me to look beyond my comfort zone and try some new things. 

What is the one thing people would be surprised to learn about you. 

I’m a breast cancer survivor!

AND JUST FOR FUN…

What’s your favorite color? 

My favorite color is white. 

What's your favorite song? 

A Change is Gonna Come

What’s your favorite movie? 

“Yesterday” is my favorite movie

Who is your favorite author? 

Kristin Hannah is currently one of my favorite artists

Where are you going to travel when we safely can? 

I am hoping to get an art residency in Ireland in August 2021, France in June 2021, and possibly Portugal. 

Deb Rosenbury grew up in northern Indiana where she always had a special interest in art. After graduation, she moved into corporate America. To further explore her creative interests, she attended Interior Design classes at Indiana University. Through moves to Florida, Connecticut, Texas, Tennessee, and ultimately to Atlanta, GA, she continued to add creative experiences. While living in Texas, she started an interior design business. She moved to Nashville, TN, restarting her business from scratch; she eventually opened her own home interior store. Working in interior design and creating beautiful living spaces with fabrics, paints, patterns, and accessories always spoke to her soul.  

After landing in Atlanta, Rosenbury started a cottage business making charming handcrafted items for local home stores. It began taking over her home so she moved into an artist studio space in 2013 now known as the Urban Art Collective. While being a part of the artist studio, she became inspired to try painting.  It totally consumed her.  Once she picked up a paint brush there was no turning back. Being primarily self-taught, she was free to experiment and calls it one of the best decisions she ever made.

“I like to start my paintings with lots of intuitive marks and strokes, building layers that draw the viewer’s eyes to wander about within each piece. If I can create a little daydream as you view my painting, then I’ve accomplished my goal in creating an interesting piece. Art not only elevates your soul, but it elevates everything it surrounds.”