Debra A. Collins is a local artist living in Castro Valley.  She earned her BA in Studio Art from Cal State East Bay in 1978 and had the pleasure of studying under Clayton Bailey and Mel Ramos. In 1980 she earned a California Teaching Credential and began teaching in Hayward and Union City.  After 36 years she retired from James Logan High School. Since then she has been focused on developing her own art. By chance she came across the amazing paper cut work of Beatrice Coron and Karen Bit Vejle. This changed her direction as an artist.  Debra’s hand cut paper works have been shown at the Cimarron National Works on Paper Exhibition,  the de Young Museum Open show (2020 and 2023), and the 2023 Shanghai International Paper Art Biennial.  She is a board member of the Guild of American Papercutters and the Diablo/Alameda branch of the League of American Pen Women.

ARTIST STATEMENT
In my hand-cut paper art, I explore the delicate nature of paper itself, coaxing it into intricate forms that celebrate its fragility. With each meticulous cut, I delve into the vulnerability of this medium, revealing its capacity for astonishing beauty. Through my work, I aim to showcase the extraordinary images that emerge from the marriage of meticulous craftsmanship and the humble material of paper. Each piece is a testament to the limitless possibilities inherent in this art form, capturing fleeting moments of wonder and enchantment. My art invites viewers to pause, to marvel at the fragility of existence, and to find solace in the enduring power of creativity.

To work along with the artist please bring the following materials?

- Exacto knife with 4, #11 blades

- small self-healing cutting of the type used by quilt makers ( Daiso is a good source for a cheap one.)

- pencil with an eraser