Biography
Originally from Spruce Grove, Deb loved creating art from an early age, drawing and painting. When preparing for university her family didn’t support art as a career, so she instead trained as a commercial pilot. She continued fine arts studies along with her aviation studies in university. She worked as a commercial pilot in northern and western Canada and eventually flew as a missionary pilot in Papua New Guinea. She returned to Canada when her parents became terminally ill and was their caregiver until they passed. Deb continued art as a hobby but in 2014 she attended a workshop “Portraits in Clay”. It was a revelation, working in clay and three dimension was her true medium. She continued her education in sculpture and now sculpts full time from her home studio, continuing to paint and draw as well. She lives north of Edmonton in Redwater and when not creating art, loves spending time with her husband and large rescue dogs.
Artist Statement
“I work in realism to preserve “that moment”. The moment where our humanity shines and is most evident/revealing. My sculpture is realistic contemporary portrait and figure, both human and animals.
I create not only a likeness but try to capture the spark of personality and spirit. I invite viewers into a scene that will stay in their mind, a moment where you identify with emotions, memories, family, friends, and community.
I see my sculptures in my mind in their completed form. I sculpt to take that image and experience the trials and joy in bringing it out of my imagination for others to share.
I have seen and experienced deep grief, exploitation, poverty, discrimination, tribal war, and conflict. I have served others, cared for ill family, and traveled widely. But what stands out to me most are moments of love, connection, joy, comfort, sacrifice, and courage. Capturing humanity in three dimensions and textures is my goal.
My objective is to create time and space for you to reflect on what really matters, take a deep breath, and remember cherished moments that connect us. If my work evokes a smile, a chuckle, or just an appreciation of beauty I feel successful as an artist.“
– Deb Laninga
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© Deb Laninga “the Embrace”
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© Deb Laninga “Unsupportive”
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© Deb Laninga “Comfort”