Debi Zoe Worley is a contemporary ceramic artist currently based in St.Louis MO. Originally born in the Netherlands, she spent most of her life in the New York City area. Her work consists of thin layers of porcelain which she often tints with colorants, adds fibers, and combines with found objects. Intrigued by the layers of consciousness which make up our individuality, she uses this combination of strong but transparent materials to inspire the viewer to see topics from a new perspective. She is currently an MFA candidate at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and received her BA from Principia College in Elsah, Illinois. Her work has been exhibited throughout the United States, and is included in private collections in California, Connecticut, Missouri, Texas, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
Artist’s Statement
I am intrigued by the development of humanity, specifically the evolution of one’s consciousness. I consider this a transformation of our own individual thought, which has a rippling effect on others. Through my work, I provoke the viewer to search for their own inner truth and progression of thought, by presenting the essence of an idea in an abstract way. The fragility and transparency of porcelain represents the ephemeral yet permanent nature of an idea. The process of making these works in their minimal form leaves the interpretation open to the viewer. As a ceramic artist, educator, and mother, my work revolves around a desire to uplift humanity and bring inspiration to individual and collective social engagement. The unspoken communication between the viewer and the work is where my interest lies. I am captivated by the layers of consciousness which constitute our individuality and the power of the human spirit which we rely on for resilience and inspiration. Engaging in this conversation with the viewer unfolds the shared landscape of our lives, calling attention to the connection between our innermost thoughts and our experiences.
EDUCATION
2019 - 2023 MFA Candidate, Southern Illinois State University, Edwardsville, IL
2003 American Montessori Teaching Certification, Columbus Montessori Education Center, Columbus OH
1986 BA, Studio Art & Business Administration, Principia College, Elsah, IL
RESIDENCIES, EXHIBITIONS & AWARDS
2022 Upcoming Summer Residency, Shigaraki Sculpture Park, Koka, Japan
2022 John H. Pohlman Memorial Graduate Ceramic Scholarship Award
2022 Annual Juried Student Exhibition, juror Paula Lincoln, SIUE, Edwardsville, IL
2022 Art Service Cub Award - Art & Design Department, SIUE, Edwardsville, IL
2021 “Disposable” Solo Show at The DeToye Student Gallery, Edwardsville Art Center, Edwardsville, IL
2021 “Curious?”, 5th Biannual Exhibition, Angad Arts Hotel, St Louis, MO
2021 “New Members Show,” Silvermine Art Gallery, New Canaan, CT
2021 “Art in the Time of Corona,” Dab Art Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
2021 “Ceramics,” The In Art Gallery, juror Chase Gamblin, The In Art Gallery
2021 “Greatest Student Exhibition,” The In Art Gallery
2021 John H. Pohlman Memorial Graduate Ceramic Scholarship Award
2021 Bucher-Lowenstein Graduate Award Ceramic Sculpture, SIUE, Edwardsville, IL
2021 Annual Juried Student Exhibition, juror Amy MacClennan, SIUE, Edwardsville, IL
2021 Sculpture at Wagner Member Exhibition, SIUE, Edwardsville, IL
2020 “Blue,” Ceramic Graduate Student Exhibition, Case Gallery, SIUE, Edwardsville, IL
2019 Small Works Show, Wood River Museum, juror Paul Dresang, Wood River, IL
1995 Distinguished Student Award – jurors Kimon Nicolaides & Fredrick Wong, Art Students League of NY
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2022 Solo Teaching Graduate Assistant, Foundation: Studio Visual Org. I, SIUE, Edwardsville, IL
2022 Attendee, National Council on Education for the Ceramics Arts, Sacramento, CA
2021 Juror for Edwardsville Art Fair, Edwardsville, IL
2021 Visiting Artist, Abstract Sculpture Lecture, SIUE, Edwardsville, IL
2021 Art Handler - Graduate Assistant, SIUE University Museum, Edwardsville, IL
2020 - 2021 Gallery Assistant, Graduate Assistant, West Gallery, SIUE, Edwardsville, IL
2017 - 2018 Principia House Parent, Arron House, Principia School, St. Louis, MO
2017 - 2018 Substitute Teacher, ceramics & drawing, Principia Lower and Upper Schools, St Louis, MO
2010 - 2017 Owner, Founder & Teacher, Art Club, mixed media K-12 art program, Wilton, CT
2015 Attendee, National Council on Education for the Ceramics Arts, Providence, RI
2016 The Altered Form Workshop, The Clay Lady Art Center, Nashville, TN
2006 - 2009 Head Primary Teacher & Integrated Support Teacher, Wilton Montessori School, Wilton, CT
2001 - 2003 Student Teacher in Training, Columbus Montessori Education Center, Columbus, OH
1986 - 1996 Freelance Illustrator, New York, NY, Clients included: Ralph Lauren, Henri Bendel, Lord & Taylor, B&D Music, MS Magazine, Shiseido Cosmetics, Cotton Inc., Chicago Publishing
PUBLICATIONS
2021 Two exhibits open Friday at Edwardsville Art Center, The Intelligencer, Edwardsville, IL
2021 New Members 2021 Exhibit, Silvermine Art Guild, New Canaan, CT
TEACHING ABILITIES & TECHNICAL SKILLS
Drawing and Painting: Figure drawing, perspective, charcoal, pen & ink, pastels, watercolor, sumi ink, acrylic, oil, gouache
Wood Fabrication: Power tools including circular saw, jigsaw, drill, table saw, miter saw, electric sander, hand tools, wood shop safety
Mixed Media: Mold making and casting with slip, glass, resin and plaster welding, felting both wet and dry methods, installation and assembling of found materials
Kiln Experience: Electric kiln programing and repair, gas kiln firings, experience with alternative firings such as raku, soda, pit, sawdust and wood firing, loading and unloading kilns
Ceramics: Advanced skills in many building techniques such as coil building, slab construction, pinching, wheel throwing, advanced skills in surface treatments such as graffito, wax resist, mixing clay and making gazes
MEMBERSHIPS
Silvermine Art Guild, New Canaan, CT
Katonah Museum of Art, Katonah, NY
National Council on Education for the Ceramics Arts
The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi
St Louis Artists Guild, Clayton, MO