"Studio - Chapelizod"
Debbie Chapman’s paintings are beautifully realised studies of great detail, coupled with real emotion and sensitivity. Using her own body, photography and models who pose in her studio, she has explored a variety of subject matter. As someone who is genuinely enthralled with aesthetics, she has a deep passion for design and the evolving styles of fashion and architecture.
Although based on the figurative, her compositions are drawn as much from her imagination as from her surroundings. She works in acrylic, oil, chalk-pastel and occasionally watercolour. Her preferred medium at the moment is acrylic on 4cm deep gallery canvases. The paintings do not require framing, but can be framed on request.
A playful spirit pervades the work. This is particularly reflected in the positive depictions of young and vibrant female subjects. As ever, they’re set against minimalist backgrounds but often coupled with touchstones of the subject’s childhood. Hopscotch and rollerskates are made time for in her paintings by women dressed for more adult occasions.
The primary focus on foreground images and the absence of background detail is a result of her desire to leave clues in the paintings rather than obvious meaning. This offers the viewer a chance to render their own interpretation of a piece.
An excellent example of this is “Bananas” which was recently exhibited in a popular Dublin venue. She received several emails asking, “Why the bananas?”
More than anything, a simple mantra underpins her work and it is that the end product must always be a result of ”seeing what you can do rather than showing what you can do.”
All images are copyrighted by Debbie Chapman and may not be used without written permission. ©Debbie Chapman 2009.
