Fisher, Debra Mae
Artist Statement
Each time I see a mask worn I am filled with excitement as I witness their ability to transport both the wearer and the viewer to a realm of imagination and child like wonder.
When I was nineteen I made a set of macrame’ witch masks for a theater production in Denver. The excitement of seeing the mask come alive coupled with the anxious gasp from the audience inspired me deeply. I became fasinated with faces and the stories they tell; young or old, joyful or angry, pleasant, repulsive, scary or peaceful.
I have experimented with materials and techniques, enjoying the simple pleasure of making a physical object. But, what I really love is that masks create the preception of a connection with something beyond the physical. They seem to be a conduit, linked to a world of spirit and mystery. Masks remind me to play and I am always grateful to be a part of their journey into the physical, as they seek connection with the human psyche.
About Debra Mae Fisher
I grew up in Lakewood Colorado and learned my first metal and fiber arts skills in high school. Within a year I was selling my sculpted candles, macreme’ tapestry, fiber scupture and jewelry at shops and fairs. Later I apprenticed at a silversmith shop, a goldsmith shop, and volunteered as a costume assistant. I made my first two masks for a theater production in 1978, which started my love for mask making. I have worked at The Oregon Shakespearean Festival, The Portland Center for Performing Arts, and held the position as resident costumer for Central Oregon Community College for thirteen years. In addition I apprenticed as a cobbler, learning shoe and boot reconstruction and repair. In 1991 I began teaching masks, costumes and jewelry for the Arts in Education Program; which allowed me to refine my personal skills while sharing my passion with thousands of eager students. This led to the creation of some collabrative and innovative youth arts programs, Such as the Arts of Passage and The MAD (making a difference) Teen Theater, a peer education group. As well as VANGO a traveling arts program. Through the years I have continued to create for sales in galleries, shows and private commissions.
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Artist Code: DF
