Debbie Lee – Time Well Spent

Debbie grew up in the west Highland town of Fort William and studied Embroidered and Woven Textiles at Glasgow School of Art. After graduating, she worked as a woven textile designer before moving to outdoor clothing design. For the past twenty years, Debbie has lived and worked in Caithness, in the far north of Scotland. Her work, in the most part, is inspired by and depicts the scenery of Scotland, particularly the Highlands, where she has spent most of her life. Walking with family, friends and her dogs is where she draws the greatest inspiration, experiencing an amplified connection to the landscape by sharing it with others.

Debbie’s work is developed using layering of various techniques. Drawing forms the primary step to each piece, using black biro in sketchbooks to capture the feeling and movement of a place. The final pieces start with paint reflecting the sketch, which is used to define colour value, informing the following layers. These next layers are collage - both fabric and paper – then, finally, machine and hand embroidery. The resulting work is both considered, and intuitive, with several dimensions to it: image, composition, colour, line and texture.