debra
mager
After a successful career as a corporate marketing executive, and a lifetime of collecting art, Debra tried her hand at mosaics. As the demand for her work started to grow from just family friends to commissions from fans across the country, Debra soon realized she had found her second calling.
Debra Mager is now an established and highly regarded self-taught mosaic artist traveling around the country to teach mosaic workshops and to participate in art festivals.
She has a penchant for creating dimensional, whimsical and rather unconventional mosaic works, which include her unique mosaic floral arrangements, birds and other creatures, as well her jeweled mirrors and mosaic shoes.
artist
statement
When I am creating mosaic art I am transported to a sense of peace—a world where I can make mundane pieces; shards of glass, broken jewelry, discarded china, stones, tiles, beads fit together to form new colorful, shimmering works of art. It feels almost magical. The endless opportunities in the materials I can use for certain effects is invigorating. The enduring nature of the materials lend a permanence to the art, which I find dependable and reassuring. The art is sturdy and everlasting. I feel a sense of joy and peace, knowing lost remnants can be puzzled together to make them whole and beautiful and alive again.”
Asheville
North Carolina
Asheville, North Carolina is renowned for its creative spirit. Visit the Biltmore Estate, hike the mountains, relax at the breweries and bistros, feast in its art and bohemian vibe. And plan a few days to discover the joy of making mosaic art in Debra’s home studio, located only 10 mins from the Asheville Regional Airport.
tour
the Studio
My Happy Place
We searched for a home in Asheville that would accommodate a studio so I could make art and teach mosaics full time. Thankfully, my husband found our house this past March and had the vision for what started out as a dingy unfinished basement with no lights. It took a lot of blood, sweat and tears but together with some fantastic local helpers, we created this wonderful studio space.
With seating for 12-15 students, shelves and cabinets for jewels and glass and paints and all my wonderful art materials, generous lighting, music on the speaker, and even a new bathroom, I have a hard time leaving it for my “regular” life upstairs. There is something about the way it looks and smells and feels that makes me so happy. My students feel it too and are fascinated with the color and spirit of it.
If you are looking for me, there’s a good chance you will find me here, where the rest of the world slips away and I am in pure bliss.
