Biography | Resume

As a painter, printmaker, teacher and arts advocate, Debra Van Tuinen's career has spanned 25 years, and her fresh vision and innovative use of materials has been recognized by private, corporate and public collections throughout the United States and Europe. Sure of her calling at the age of 5 or 6, Van Tuinen remembers telling her Mom that she wanted to be an artist when she grew up. As an adult, Van Tuinen has stayed true to her course, studying art at the Byam Shaw Arts Academy in London and working with internationally known artists in Japan, to enhance her technical skills and provide the depth of experience with which to develop her work. Her devotion to her art recently won her the attention of glass artist Dale Chihuly, who asked Van Tuinen to teach him printmaking for a collaborative effort with the Seattle Opera.

"My art is my life - all that I experience and see becomes part of my work. How I respond physically, spiritually and intellectually to my environment is the essence(the spirit) of my work." -- Debra Van Tuinen

Working in media as diverse as paintings on canvas and clayboard, etchings, monotypes, Japanese woodblock prints and tile, Van Tuinen translates the landscape around her into vibrant impressions of color, texture and memory. Seeking nature's inspiring vistas has drawn Van Tuinen to inland and coastal western Washington, eastern Washington, Idaho, the Oregon and California coasts, Monet's gardens at Giverney, and the islands of Fiji, particularly Tomberu Island. Van Tuinen is especially aware of the constant subtle changes in a landscape, of sky and clouds and reflection. Her intuitive response to those experiences have the effect of evoking thoughts and emotions in the viewer, recalling their own memories from the past, of places that have inspired them.

"I am committed to the community of art and the need for art within the community. One's community - like oneself - needs to express itself." -- Debra Van Tuinen

Debra Van Tuinen lives and creates in Olympia, Washington, the state Capitol tucked into a valley at the foot of Puget Sound. Her involvement in the community has ranged from teaching high school art, supporting philanthropic organizations devoted to the arts in Olympia, serving as an Arts Commissioner for the city, and as the Art Director for the Friend's of the Olympia's Farmers Market. She has been the recipient of an Olympia Art in Public Places Commission, and through a Portable Public Art commission, Van Tuinen's work graced the promotional poster for the city's 20th Arts Walk, a performing and visual arts event which draws 15,000 visitors. Currently Van Tuinen offers workshops for other artists, teaching them the ancient technique of wax encaustic which has become so much a part of her own work.

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