Debra L. Hille creates mixed media sculpture and paintings in her studio nestled in the wooded hills near Berea, Kentucky. Debra’s work is inspired by her natural surroundings, capturing the organic forms, textures and colors of earth and sky. Her sculptures depict the prevailing bond between humanity and nature—combining human features with natural forms in a strikingly mysterious and thought-provoking fashion. Her abstract paintings draw in the viewer with the energy that exudes from the blend of transparent layers of vital colors and texture.

About her work, Debra says: “The process of creating a piece feeds a deep hunger in me—a longing to connect with others, to comprehend the world more clearly, and to lend a voice to the thoughts that lie within me. I find the discovery and expression powerful.”

Debra has shared her work in solo, invitational and competitive exhibits throughout Kentucky. Venues have included galleries in Lexington, such as the MetroLex Gallery, the Laurie S. Bottoms Gallery and the Kentucky Gallery of Fine Crafts and Arts, as well as Friedman Gallery and Liberty Gallery in Louisville, and the Kentucky Civic Center in Frankfort. Debra has participated in juried shows such as the Nude International Exhibit. Her work receives high praise as from a viewer at Debra’s Solo MextroLex show: “I went to see her show and it is excellent. It is so consistently fine, both interesting and well executed and overall inspiring.”

Debra’s sculptures and paintings reside in many private collections throughout the U.S. and Canada, including that of Mary Rockefeller Morgan, a board member of the New York Metropolitan Art Museum. Reflecting on the appeal of Debra’s art to collectors, a Kentucky buyer comments, “[Your work] certainly hits me on an emotional level. I know I may be seeing things you never intended, but such is the nature of a great work of art…”In addition to private collections, Debra’s work has been commissioned for public purposes, such as awards presented for community service by nonprofit groups.

In addition to creating her own work, Debra is passionate about helping people discover art as self-expression. She serves as a workshop presenter and creative consultant in many venues for various audiences—women, children, teachers and volunteers. Her workshops provide opportunities for self-reflection as participants create art that illustrates their individuality, values and life experiences. A participant in a self-portrait workshop commented, “…she reaches your soul and lets you know it’s ok to have been broken, but you can mend yourself better than new.” Through her self-expression workshops, Debra has worked with the New Opportunity School for Women, the Women’s Studies Program at Berea College, the COPS Program at the University of Kentucky, and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. She also has served as an artist-in-residence in the public schools through the Kentucky Arts Council.

Debra places great value on the role of art in achieving social change in communities. She has served as a coordinator and lead artist on various community projects, including Sustainable Berea’s Rain Barrel Project and the Berea Arts Council’s Flying Quilt public art project. She served as chair of Berea Arts Council’s Show of Hands public art project. She has served on the boards of the Lexington Art League and Mountain Spring, Inc. She has offered her services to the Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen as Promotions Coordinator and has helped install exhibits.

Debra finds inspiration in the beauty of the mountains, creeks and forests that surround her home. Along with two boxer dogs and two cats, she and her husband Peter live on 33 wooded acres in a solar-gothic house they designed and built. She is a juried member of the Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen and also a member of Arts Kentucky and the Lexington Art League.

Debra Hille
(859) 986-7384