In the 1980s and 1990s, Debra Keirce was a biochemical engineer leading teams that built pharmaceutical facilities in New England and Indiana. Now an artist, Keirce still draws from that time of her life. “I approach my art with the same project leader mentality, and I look forward to all the problem-solving I get to do each day as I create,” she says.
Hungry!, oil, 11 x 30”
She is inspired by a wide range of styles and movements, including 17th-century art, the Trompe l’Oeil paintings and miniature portraits. “All of these genres shine a light on the technical skills of the artists. To my mind, we are all illusionists. Creating art on a flat surface that is so realistic as to evoke a strong emotion or memory—this feels magical to me,” she says. “My process is much more geared toward pleasing the senses than following a strict formula. I enjoy finding ways to successfully break the rules taught in art schools.”
HeartFelt, oil, 18 x 24”
Keirce is especially drawn to the American West, which holds a special place in her heart. “I find the people in the heartland and Southwest to be patriotic, hard-working, genuine and kind. These are all virtues I aspire to. It is the experiences with them that I work so hard to convey through my art. I’m a storyteller, and there are so many stories to tell,” she says.
Under the Sun, oil, 12 x 12”
Today her work hangs in the Langham Hotel in Boston and is part of the U.S. Coast Guard collection. She calls these contributions to the art world part of her legacy. “The funny thing is, when I began painting fulltime 15 years ago, I had no idea I even wanted a legacy,” she adds. “This art journey has a way of delivering the most amazing unscripted and treasured memories.” —
Want to See More?
(571) 236-0047 | deb@debkart.com www.debkart.com
Represented by Seaside Art Gallery
Nags Head, NC | www.seasideart.com
Facebook: /DebraKeirce
Instagram: @DebraKeirce
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