Deborah Mitchell

I have been a printmaker for most of my artistic life. Although I have an MFA in Printmaking I find I identify more as an adventurous and expressive artist who is not bound by the strictures of a specific media.
In the past I was known for creating monotypes on location which quite literally interpreted the world around me. Over time I became more studio- bound creating monotypes based upon my garden, travel, and eventually my imagination. I enjoy playing with bold color, the repetition of surface design, and patterns found in nature. I build multiple layers in my prints which gives the opportunity for pentimento and chance.
I usually approach my studio practice with the idea of “What if?” Within that query I’m inspired by the tone of the day, the essence of a foreign country, or the remnants of ancient cultures. The Black Hills, my garden, and the events of my life inform my practice. Until recently my largest struggle was to bring myself out of stasis after an arsonist destroyed my studio. I was fortunate to be a recipient of the 2024 South Dakota Arts Council Fellowship. I am now creating an exhibition formed from the materials I was able to salvage from the fire. This show will travel to three venues across the state.