I’m a fanatical collector—of art techniques, printed papers, small pieces of wood, thrift store dresses, and old toys. I’m a story teller. An interesting scrap or bit of detritus can become the beginning of a narrative or prompt an existing story searching for the right materials to manifest itself. I’m a maker of wacky characters and stories that attempt to make sense of my world. Flattened dry frogs found along the streets of my Hawaiian neighborhood became dancing silhouettes in the visual story of my divorce.
A sense of humor and a jack of all trades skill set was essential for my thirty year career as a high school art teacher. I circle around playfully with various media, often using collage to brainstorm and visualize. I create assemblage sculptures, collages, and prints that contemplate contemporary scenes and mental interiors.
I’m a Denver native. Growing up in the only white and Jewish family in an all Black neighborhood made for a complicated childhood, struggling to figure out where I fit in. I was inspired by my dad, a plumber, who made odd sculptures and home decor while ruling a roost of five women. Art making affords control over the worlds I want to inhabit.
I’ve lived in rich, culturally diverse destinations (northern and southern California, rural Alabama, Miami, Western North Carolina, New Orleans, and Hawaii) — all influencing my art and life. I returned to Denver at age 50, heading the Visual Arts Department at Denver School of the Arts for fifteen years. Now retired from full time teaching, I make my own art and teach adults at the Art Students League of Denver.
I love turning others on to art especially those who feel they don’t have the necessary creativity or expertise, or perhaps feel that contemporary art is a foreign language. Helping others develop skills as they explore media, discover personal voice, or simply learn have fun is fulfilling work. I believe every student is unique, are you interested in my art classes?
Deb Rosenbaum 