I make paintings and painted paper collages to hold onto the feeling of certain moments—the ones that stay with you long after they’re over. Some are real, some are imagined, and some are a blurry mix of both. They come from favorite people and places in my life, reimagined into scenes that feel just a little more vibrant, a little more sun-drenched, and sometimes a little more flirtatious than reality.

My work isn’t about documenting what happened—it’s about capturing how it felt. A warm afternoon by the pool, a glance that lasted longer than it should have, the simple joy of being surrounded by people who make life feel full. These are the moments I paint to remember. The paintings are done alla prima, with loose, expressive brushwork and a focus on light and color.

I lean into a palette that borrows from Rococo indulgence and the playful brilliance of Bonnard and Hockney. The scenes often take place outdoors—under trees, near water, poolside—with plenty of room for connection, mischief, and celebration. The collages are a bit different: flatter, bolder, more graphic. Built from hand-painted papers, they’re like memory snapshots rearranged—contemporary in feel, but just as emotionally layered.

At the core, I’m trying to make work that feels familiar in the best way—like a memory you forgot you had, or a moment you wish you’d lived. I want to offer viewers a chance to step into these spaces and feel something joyful, intimate, maybe even a little cheeky—something worth remembering.

-Deb