Deb Laninga

I am an artist living in Redwater, Alberta, Canada. I sculpt with clay, mold my pieces and cast the final art in bronze or cold cast bronze resin. I also paint, do gestural ink drawings, and carve in anything I can get my hands on (ice, snow and pumpkin).

Art has always been my passion. I loved painting, drawing and being creative throughout my youth and minored in Fine Art in University. I didn’t believe I could be an “artist” and I pursued careers in aviation as a commercial pilot, overseas missionary pilot and then worked for a non-profit/charity. Caring for my terminally ill parents brought clarity that I wanted to do what I love - make art. After taking a “portrait in clay” workshop I realized sculpture IS my medium.

I have experienced and witnessed the darkest depths of what life can be; grief, war, hatred, abuse, poverty, isolation and discrimination. My art instead focuses on what inspires me; connection, joy, love, family, courage, and hope. I sculpt portraits and figures of animals and people. I want to tell a story through sculpture or capture a treasured moment. I hope my art connects with viewers creating feelings of warmth, intimacy, humour, reflection, or happiness.

Please enjoy,

Deb

Special Thank You to Ryan Kurylo for his instruction, mentor-ship and encouragement.

Special Thank You to Andrew Cawrse at Anatomy Tools for his instruction, critiques and wisdom.