– The Artistic Journey of Debbi Morkel
Born and raised in Cape Town, Debbi Morkel’s love for art developed from an early age. Like many artists, her passion began with a childlike fascination for drawing and painting, which persisted into adulthood. In 2008, Morkel made a bold decision to relocate to the remote Karoo town of Fraserburg, driven by a desire to fully immerse herself in her creative pursuits.
Morkel’s formal training in art began at the Michaelis School of Fine Art, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Cape Town in 2007. While she may not have had a specific mentor, her surroundings and daily experiences have been instrumental in shaping her artistic journey. The support and encouragement from those around her have been the driving force behind her dedication to her craft.
Morkel’s artistic style can be described as highly realistic and meticulously detailed, requiring a significant investment of time, effort, intense concentration and dedication. Her inspiration is deeply rooted in her environment, particularly the unique character of Fraserburg, the captivating Karoo landscapes, and the interplay between nature and human-made structures. She primarily works with oil paints on canvas, favouring earthy tones and shades of blue applied with a delicate finesse using fine brushes.
While Morkel tends to keep a low profile when it comes to exhibitions, her work has garnered widespread acclaim through private sales and group shows. Rather than actively seeking awards or recognition, she prefers to focus on the pure joy of creating art.
Through her paintings, Morkel invites viewers to explore the tranquillity and isolation of the Karoo, offering a glimpse into the life of an artist. Her works seldom feature human figures but incorporate relatable elements, creating immersive environments that allow for personal interpretation.
Beyond her artistic endeavours, Morkel finds solace in cryptic crosswords, culinary pursuits, and maintaining a playful spirit. A quirky detail that often fascinates visitors is her use of a cathode-ray monitor to display reference images in her studio. Interestingly, Morkel’s first job was painting henna tattoos at the V&A Waterfront during her school holidays. As she looks towards the future, Morkel remains open to the mysterious ways in which inspiration can shape her focus, eager to see how new experiences might shift her artistic perspective. As long as she can continue painting and engaging with her work, she considers herself a fulfilled artist.