DEBRA LOTT: PAINTER

Artist Statement:
The focus on the female form in my work arises from a desire to empower women and reflect upon shared human experiences. Through my paintings, I aim to record the world as seen through my lens as a woman, addressing socially conscious themes such as privilege, abuse, marginalization, self-identity, and body image. I hope my work resonates with deeply human values and emotions.

For over 20 years, I have devoted my practice exclusively to painting the female figure. Rather than working directly from life, I photograph my models in various poses, experimenting with lighting to evoke diverse moods. I typically capture over 100 images of each model and draw upon multiple photographs as references for each painting. However, my process transcends a straightforward, photo-realistic translation. Instead, it is shaped by my subjective responses to the photographs and my personal connection with the model.

With a focus on anatomy, lighting, and the interplay of textures like fabric and skin, I let the act of painting itself guide me. My emotions and sensations during this process often take the work beyond the bounds of mere photographic representation, allowing me to craft pieces that are both personal and expressive.

You can view more of Debra’s work here:  www.debralott.com