Meet Debby Merkel

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Debby Merkel. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Debby, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?

I’ve been told that I am always so optimistic and I truly am. This quality was learned from my favourite aunt who always looked at the glass totally full. I spent a lot of time with her growing up and was amazed by her attitude and independent nature. Looking back I realize that she was the best role model for me.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am a full time artist made possible through retirement. I love painting and paint every day. Painting puts me is a different state of consciousness – like a meditation. Over the past years I’ve come to realize that creating art is my passion, my life. Without it, life would be meaningless. I quit painting for a six year period and during that time I craved to do something creative. I tried several things but nothing resonated. Thankfully I returned to painting.

My art is ever changing. i always wondered why I got bored so easily until I heard a famous artist remark that it’s quite normal for creatives to bore easily, hence changing my style and trying new things.

In 2024, I’ve had more shows than ever. Art in the Garden on July long weekend was a huge success in its first year which showcased two painters, a stained glass artist and a fibre artist. Next year we plan to add music plus two more artisans. Currently, I am in a 4 month exhibition entitled “Red She Said” at the Kelowna Rotary Centre for the Arts. The exhibit was created by On the Edge Collective – a group of 5 Kelowna artists who exhibit once or twice a year.

This year also saw my artwear find a home at a Kelowna boutique – Boutique Ecletica – which is really exciting. Another way to get my art out into the world. If a painting isn’t in your budget, perhaps you can wear it instead.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Communication, resilience and optimism were the most impactful ikills n my journey. And the journey hasn’t always been easy. Early in my painting career I joined a group of painters mainly to exhibit. I had taken a workshop with an artist and was painting in his style. A few people in this group took issue with my style of painting and emailed the artist. Funnily enough, the artist emailed me and said something like “I love your work. Perhaps these people should occupy their time by painting more rather than criticising.” Being very early in my art journey, I was shattered by what had happened and it affected my confidence. When I moved to Kelowna, I joined a new group and found a supportive group of artists.

There are always bumps in the road, nice people, not so nice people, and you learn to take it in your stride and stay true to who you are.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

The biggest challenge this year is that people aren’t buying art as readily and the concensus of the artists I know is that it’s related to the downturn in the economy. So what to do. As earlier mentioned, I have a clothing line – artwear – which is one way I’m branching out and trying to think outside the box. I had to learn about marketing and then approach boutiques.

I’ve made a connection with a videographer who has created videos of me being interviewed. These I’ve posted on social media. I consistently post on social media 3-4 times per week.

I keep in touch with two art galleries and attend their openings. So far this year I’ve taken part in over ten art shows. I am always looking for and open to new opportunities to sell my art.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://debbymerkel.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debbymerkel/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debbymerkel
• Linkedin: debbymerkel

Image Credits

N/a