Monday Marvel: Debra Hood

It is high time to introduce you to the remarkable woman who took the initiative for the South Side Art Market, here in Brisbane. Debra Hood is the brains behind the market and all participants are looking forward to the inaugural market on the 20th November in Morningside. Please find all details on their Facebook site.

Q1) Can you please introduce yourself?

My name is Debra Hilda Hood. Now I am a “mature” woman, I can confidently reveal my middle name, which for years I kept hidden in the broom closet! I live on Brisbane’s southside and am passionate about painting Queenslander homes on colour filled canvases in a simple effort to honour the architectural heritage of inner-suburban Brisbane. I relish the chance to do quirky  retro still life paintings as well…lots of colour and clashing patterns.  I love coffee and afternoon naps too!

Q2) What is your medium and the kind of art you make?

Most of my work is Acrylic on Canvas that are personalised works and when I get a quick moment between these commissions, I sneak in some type of Public Art Project. These large outdoor community projects provide a lovely break from my study work which is 8-10 hours painting per day, Min 5days/week. The majority of my painting is done from 6pm – 1am..these hours provide the most satisfying work time for me and often I will paint right through the night.

Q3)  Where do you find your inspiration?

My inspiration is generated at a very local level and is really twofold. Firstly, a complete love of the iconic Queenslander houses that abound in inner Brisbane suburbs and in recent years, an urgent desire to capture these buildings before they are pulled down to make way for so called development. Sadly, the face of our suburbs is changing so dramatically at present and pretty soon these gorgeous buildings will be in our nostalgic past…..our unique Queenslander identity gone.

Q4) Can you give us an exercise that helps you either warm up, loosen up, get unstuck or has a wonderful memory?

I don’t really ever get stuck for ideas. After painting full time for the last 20 years, have learnt to have commitment and dedication to go to work in the studio every day.  Often when settling to sleep, ideas will become centred and clarified…. these are very exciting Eureka moments and they are all crazily and forever, floating around in the back of my head waiting for the day when I can make them real!