Margaret River artist Kate Debbo will unveil new works as part of her next exhibition opening at the Margaret River Gallery this Saturday February 29.
Debbo told the Mail the collection will feature new and past works, with her trademark playful use of colour splashed across the gallery walls.
"There will be a collection of older works and quite a few new works, as well as some that haven't been seen before," she said.
Having recently moved to a new studio in her Margaret River home, Debbo said she was also looking forward to taking part in Margaret River Region Open Studios from her own space.
"I had a bit of a break over Christmas and I wasn't really painting for about two months, then I went away for a holiday on Rottnest and when I came back... these boats are emerging now, in my work."
"I'll see how long that lasts for. I think I always jump around a little bit, I get bored of the one thing.
"If all I painted were the horses, which are a bit more tight and controlled and planned, I would get bored so I move back to things that are more free, and loose and intuitive.
"I like not knowing how it's going to pan out."
The artist said she rarely starts painting with a plan in mind, preferring to let her inspiration flow as she works.
"I just start scribbling, and see what happens. I suppose that's how the different series have emerged, because I don't finish one thing and move on to the next - I'll circle back to something and keep going on that for a while, then change direction completely. Now figures are starting to come back into the work, which is interesting."
She says she identified strongly with a recently discovered new word, peripatetic.
"It means randomly jumping from one subject to another in a seemingly random way... I thought, that's me!"
Debbo's art is often splashed with layers of dazzling colour, with a skilful yet childlike freedom she says can be hard to maintain as artists develop.
"I love the 'mistake marks', that's what is part of it," she said.
Gallery director Salli Coppin said Debbo's ability to "let loose" on the canvas is one of her strongest qualities.
"Not everyone can do that. It's Kate's ability to remain playful and open during the process of maturing when other artists begin to limit their style and aiming for perfection. Of course that's their skill, and it's brilliant, but Kate is just one of a kind."
The artist will appear at the official opening of the show on Saturday February 29 from 2pm. For info visit www.margaretrivergallery.com.au
Nicky Lefebvre
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
