A native Rhode Islander, Debby has been photographing and oil painting since the 1970’s. Her formal training began with two summers of exploration at RISD. In 1976,  
she headed to Boston to study at Boston University’s School of Fine Arts. Boston has remained her home ever since. She is an active member of the art community and has her studio in the SoWa Art + Design District that she helped build.

Debby develops her vision through a variety of media, including oil paint, photography, film and metal smithing. Her photographs go beyond simple visual representation. Composition, structure and light are fundamental to her vision, while her ever playfulness and humor have found home in her work.

An award-winning artist, Debby’s awards include the prestigious “Copley Master” distinction in the field of photography. She is the first photographer to hold this distinction. Her popular “Colors of White” photo series has been featured in movies and television shows including “The Proposal” and “Blue Bloods.”

Artists Statement

My creative process combines visual exploration to capture feeling and emotion. Every day I am presented with something of beauty, intrigue or uniqueness. The camera is my chosen tool that enables me to capture that experience which allow me to further study the moment, or simply enjoy it.

Nearly 20 years ago, I embarked on a quest to capture white flowers. The white flowers that are the centerpiece of “The Colors of White” are deep in texture, pattern and mathematics. They have taught me to open my eyes to looking at nature beyond its straightforward beauty. Escaping the pandemic last winter, I headed for the warmth of Florida. It was there that I fell in love with the patterning and texture of wings, so similar to the white flowers. My fascination in the beauty of nature with this new palette has brought about this series: “Wings.”

I consider myself an abstract photographer and a realist painter. Using painting methodology that dates back centuries, I like to bring stories to life through my paintings of toys. I also love learning and particularly with oil painting. Seeking out artists whose work I love and then studying with them has helped improve my painting skills.

And then there’s the metalsmithing. Jewelry making to me is like playing in a sand box, full of exploration and fun! Using metal (mostly sterling silver), tools and fire, I work to make small wearable sculptures. Unlike with my painting, there are NO rules for me with creating the jewelry…just enjoy the process and make something new, unique, and hopefully with movement