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Photo of Deborah J. Reed

A walk with a friend took us to this Christmas Eve sunrise on Lake Ontario. I can sense the curve of the earth here, and the continent beyond. I've explored the trails, beaches, forests and Bluffs since childhood. My daughters grew and played here too.

I like Canadian stories, and remember them in my studio. Only music invades the awesome gift of detachment there, and I translate through watercolour and acrylic. Alternately, I spread my backpack paint paraphernalia on cottage decks, far off islands, over moss and ground, beach, rocks, campsites or on classroom tables whenever I can buy myself another package of professional technique and wisdom.

In watercolour, my elusive holy grail of media, I make mistakes and messes, have exploited saltwater, spit and campfire charcoal, moonlight, candles, flashlight, and even scrubbed sheets of 140 lb cold press in the lake to get things right. I remain eternally grateful for all tricks, tips and secrets thrown my way.

I honour artists whose work and language move me, thinkers whose spirits use poetry and faith, children who believe I can paint anything, friends who show me their own wild spaces, canny left-brainers who help with computer responsibility, and those who are curious enough to visit or even buy a small piece of me on stained paper.

I honour the high schools, art schools, gallery owners and my teachers: Mr. Mallon, Miss Heinz, Mr. Ritchie, Arlie Hoffman, Bruce Sinclair, Heidi Burkhardt, Fred Hummel, Carey Carrick, Jay Dampf, Atanur Dogan, Grant Fuller, Gary Chapman, Jack and Melanie Koca, Judy Lowry, Joan Ng, Frances Tyrrell, Martha Robinson, Carole Finn (for guidance with acrylics), Susan Hay and especially Maurice Snelgrove.

I acknowledge the daily elements of this planet which motivate me to persist. Please enjoy these beginnings of self-expression. See them as windows as well.

- deborah j. reed

2004 - 2011 Sold prints, cards and originals at The Village Tea Room (Scarborough Bluffs)
2010 Breast Cancer auction fundraising campaign
2011 Children's Advent calendar; Presbyterian Church of Canada
2011 Fundraising pledge form; MCCT
2012 Fundraising auction; MCCT
2012 Regina Food Bank
2013 & 2014 Canadian Tire Jumpstart calendar
2013 - 2015 Ducks Unlimited (Alberta) auction
2016 Painting donated to a silent auction to subsidize a Vimy Ridge pilgrimage
2016 - 2022 Featured at Rails End Gallery and Arts Centre (Haliburton)
2016 - 2017 Exhibit at Highlands Studio (Minden)
2017 - 2022 Baked and Battered (Haliburton)
2018 Finn Artists’ Centre (Minden)
2018 Painting donated to Minden Rotary Club Auction
2018 The Dorset Community Health Hub
2018 - 2022 Sold paintings at Art Squared (Haliburton)
2019 Haliburton County Wellness Centre
2024 Rails End Members' Show

Deborah has written and illustrated Rhymes with Haliburton - 50 Poems to Read Out Loud, Field Hooky, Ontario Wizard and Instant Soup. She has developed six portraits for The Children's Book Bank and one of her paintings was used as a teaching tool in Haliburton seniors’ programs. Her works have been displayed at Toronto City Hall. Her greeting cards have sold at venues and professional functions. Deborah's work hangs in private collections and offices.

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