Life and Work with Debby EPPS

Today we’d like to introduce you to Debby EPPS.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always loved arts and crafts and had access to my Dad’s art studio; however, I never saw that as a viable career. After I graduated and while working as a receptionist, I had the opportunity to obtain my BA in Education, but again took the safe route in education by selecting science and business education. I have had the great pleasure to teach both elementary and middle school science and math for the last 27 years but always dabbled in crafts as a hobby.

Five years ago, I decided to focus on fine arts and mixed media and eventually that led to creating a budding Etsy store and going to local art shows, such as Art Google. I decided to start a blog, then eventually decided to start a YouTube channel and began streaming live on U-Stream. Three years into sharing my passion for mixed media has built a tremendous network of a fellow artist to connect to and inspire to strive to continue to build my art business.

As my education career is coming to a close, I am continuing to find ways to expand my mixed media career. I hope to expand the number of art shows and would love to develop a stencil line and other art products eventually moving into art licensing my original work.

Has it been a smooth road?
While I have enjoyed many aspects of my teaching career, my biggest regret was not going for a more creative field as a young woman instead of taking a more safe route. However, the advancements in technology and the internet make this an exciting time to delve into a second career adventure with opportunities that are limitless in many ways. So my advice, to all is to take that leap of faith and explore your true passions.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with None – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
As an avid crafter, I had tried several forms of art and crafts so that when I discovered a mixed media approach I knew that I had found my niche. I still love to explore new art mediums and recently started fluid acrylic pouring as a background for my vintage and whimsical collage work.

Typically, most of my art pieces start with collage using my own painted pattern papers and further embellished using India ink or watercolor mediums. I have created a series of watercolor and collage hares with unique names and themes that have earned my the “bunny lady” at Fort Worth’s Urban Traders Market events. I use a mixture of acrylic paints and colored pencils for both collage work and custom pet portraits too.

Who have you been inspired by?
My Mother was an early influence as I watched her create elaborate Halloween costumes and other sewing projects and I had the extraordinary opportunity to have an artistic Step-Grandmother, along with my Dad, who both painted in home studios and showed their work locally at shows.

Most recently, I have had the opportunity to connect online through YouTube and U-Stream with inspiring artists Dede Willingham, Patti Tolley Parrish and Tracy Weinzapfel. All three women generously share and inspire others to create and the interaction with my own YouTube and U-Stream followers has encouraged me to continue to step out there myself.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://debbyepps.weebly.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debby_epps_mixed_media_artist/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/depps/?ref=br_rs
• Twitter: @debbyepps
• Other: www.etsy.com/shop/debbyepps

Image Credit:
Debby Epps, except Dog & Portrait by Terri Rankin

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