Debra VillalobosWhether in my childhood, younger days of seeking “creativity”, I can emphatically say I am an artist. I struggled through the usual meanderings of satisfying others in what they thought I should do. Hence, I moved to Taos 25 years ago at the age of 28, bringing with me nursing training and experience, having lived in Europe, New York and California, but hailing basically from the rich South where writers abound. I had art classes in every place and school I was ever in. I could find no “one” expression…I wanted to experience all artistic endeavors, whether visual, musical, literary or even science, which is an art in itself. I co-partnered a gallery in Taos for twelve years where we exhibited national juried shows as well as local theme shows. I have studied and incorporated into my world, dance and drumming. I have participated for many years in workshops and the creation of art books and printmaking. Though this day I live a creative life, dancing, art and writing for my husbands’ monthly newspaper, the Horse Fly, I still want to do it all. I have taught children and adults, worked with the terminally ill, worked with cowardly spirits and even trained chickens. Domesticity and art go hand in hand. Art heals our sorrow and pain and elevates our thinking. We can easily weave it into our everyday lives, simply by practicing a few disciplines. My education has been pursued on many levels in numerous colleges, schools and classes. My art education has primarily been enhanced by my own seeking of new methods, inspiration through culture, and materials offered by daily life and nature. One can be trained to draw, paint, dance, but one must experience life in its fullest to understand true creativity. |
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