Debora Morrison: About the Artist

Debora was first captivated by clay when she enrolled in a wheel-throwing class at Walnut Creek Art Center in Central California in 1966. Her dream was to fashion her own dinnerware set. Between 1967 and 1970 she studied ceramics at the University of Montana and Chico State College in California.

In the seventies, Debora moved to Santa Cruz County to begin a career as a professional potter. During that time (1972-1976) she was a member of a craft co-op/store in Capitola, California called Gentle Breeze. As one of the shopkeepers she loved interacting with a variety of fascinating people.

Debora was enchanted by the beauty of the islands during a vacation in late 1976 and subsequently moved to the island of Maui, Hawaii. While there, she lived and worked at Touchstone Gallery in Paia, Maui. The richness of the Asian culture directly inspired the evolution of her work. She began to study the art of relief-carving in porcelain and also developed a love for delicate brushwork on the surface of her pieces. She enjoyed teaching ceramics to children and adults at Hui Noeau in Makawao and Wailea Arts Center. The spark of joy on her student’s faces, as they became captivated as well, fueled her passion for teaching. Debora’s work was showcased in numerous art shows including: Art Maui, Wailea Arts Center Gallery, Lahaina Arts Society, and Following Sea on Oahu.

In 1983, Debora returned to Santa Cruz County and has lived the last twenty-six years on the North Coast. During this time, she has participated in Open Studios, Capitola Wine & Arts Festivals, and Swanton Arts & Crafts Holiday Fairs. Simultaneously, she launched her primary career in the Holistic Health field specializing in Feldenkrais Movement re-education, Therapeutic Massage, and Manual Lymphatic Drainage. The refined expression she developed in working with clay transferred gracefully into her way of being with people.

Recently her passion for clay has reemerged as her primary focus. And now perhaps she will finally create the dinnerware set!