Being of Native American heritage, Lakota Sioux, I have always been fascinated with the spirit of animals. My desire to remain connected to the "Earth" and all of its' wonders.

I began drawing for as long as I can remember. Drawing the usual, domestic animals, since they were nearest to me. I continued to draw into adulthood, raising a family in between.

I did not begin painting...or shall I say...take my talent seriously...until the age of 43. It was while I was at a local Arts and Crafts show, just looking around, and coming toward me out of a crowd of people, actually like a "mist" when I think back, was a man walking two Timber wolves. It took my breath away, as I was so taken in by their magnificent beauty. My eyes were glued to the eyes of the wolves. As I approached them, one laid down before me on his back, a submission, for me to pet him. I was not prepared, nor was I intimidated. I felt very connected to these creatures of the earth. There was this sense of trust and respect, for one another. The owner stated to me that it was highly unusual for this to happen, as they usually did not let strangers pet them. I knew then, that we WERE connected by spirit through the "eyes." It was as though I could see in to the soul of these animals. Their strength, love and free spirit. An awesome experience for me, yet somehow, it became the inspiration for my current work.

I began purchasing all of the necessities for painting and wanted something unusual for the painting to be created on, and found the doe suede material that I now use for my canvas. The reason for this is the softness which helps to project through my work. For I wanted it to feel, as though you were actually touching the animal.

I began with the face of the wolf, concentrating on the spirit that I "felt" when looking into the eyes, that free spirit that I knew was within myself as well. And so with perseverance and determination, I practiced until the painting finally spoke to me...through the "eyes".

Once I realized that I actually had a talent that was given to me as a gift from God, I have not been able to put the brush down. I do paintings by request and my central focus is on the eyes, which emit the spirit of the soul.

I do hope you enjoy them.

~ Deborah ~