Deborah Byrne

Hello everyone, my Art practice started at age 19 whilst attending Life Drawing classes at the Gylnn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea. In my early 30s, my enthusiasm for Art developed whilst my daughter was young and I partcipated in the two year course Diploma of Art at Swansea College of Art. Sadly, due to my congenital physical disability, I was only able to complete the first year, as the course was on the second floor, no lifts, plenty of steps, a listed building.

My academic career focused on developing my mind and disability issues, plus I achieved a honours degree in Philosophy (1991) and a Masters in Philosophy/Religion (East and West perspectives) (2021).

After retiring early from Gower College, supporting students with disabilities and achieving my Masters, I began exploring art practice again by self-taught techniques and a few Art classes. My love of art blossomed and I felt the need to express my interests and experiences in art form. I particularly enjoy using acrylics but I've recently explored other mediums.

Most of my Art energy is applied to local interest such as "Swansea Jack", a dog who rescued people from drowning in the 1930s and more abstract forms such as presenting indigenous people, Buddhism and spirituality. Artists that influence me include Frida Kahlo, Klimt, Salvador Dali and photographer, Julian Bound.