Today we’d like to introduce you to Debra Mixon.
Hi Debra, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I never would have guessed just a few years ago that I would be fortunate enough to wear multiple creative hats working as a visual artist and also as a native plant landscape designer. I’m fortunate that both roles intertwine, feed, and inform each other.
I grew up on the Gulf coast of Florida, a fourth generation Floridian who had the odd experience of growing up on a farm that was squeezed out by surrounding urban development. I feel very fortunate to have the experiences I did on the farm, but it was the beginning of always feeling a bit like the proverbial square peg in a round hole.
That square peg/round hole dilemma followed me for decades. I bounced around working as a paralegal and then as a technical writer for many years, leveraging my English degree and earning a good living but never loving my jobs. While working in a large corporation, I finally indulged myself in doing something I had always yearned to do – I earned a second degree in visual art.
Since exiting the corporate world, I’ve never looked back. I maintain a regular studio practice and have worked hard to find my artistic voice. I regularly show and sell my work and love being a part of the art community in St. Augustine. I’m a resident artist and board member at the Butterfield Garage Art Gallery, and I’m also a resident artist at the Art Collective gallery here in town.
My other creative hat, being a native plant landscape designer, came along more recently. I’ve always felt that a relationship with the natural world was integral to my identity. It deeply informs my art and led me to start studying our Florida native plants over a decade ago. Enter my neighbor and owner of Native Plant Consulting, Laura Pitts. She needed a designer and felt like I would fit into the role. It’s been a learning curve, but one I’ve loved and feel was meant to be.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Becoming comfortable with calling myself an “artist” has not come easily, nor has working as a landscape designer. I didn’t come from a creative background or environment, but rather a more practical one where hard work is valued but is defined by filling acceptable roles. I was also incredibly shy when I was younger and, as an adult, suffered from “imposter syndrome.” I really had to mature into myself and learn that we each have a unique path to follow. I also had a very serious illness a few years ago that really reshaped my outlook and priorities. What I discovered from everything is that if I’m doing what I’m meant to do and believe in what I’m doing, then folks feel that energy and are receptive and encouraging.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
In my home studio, I make work that aligns with my vision to bear witness to the natural world. I currently am in love with creating mixed media collagraph etchings – a rather obscure printmaking technique where I craft etching plates from mat board and packaging materials, cutting into and using a variety of materials to build up the surface before inking the plate. I then transfer the image to paper using my large artist’s press. (It’s kind of hard to explain, so I have videos on my website and social media.)
When I leave the studio to work as a native plant landscape designer with Native Plant Consulting, I don’t leave my artist’s hat behind. I am able to leverage my visual and spatial skills with my native plant knowledge. I work very analog, drawing the designs out most often onsite. That way I can share with our client right away – it’s important to me to have that rapport and relationship, so that I can educate the client, as well.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Be yourself – do not let others define you. Easier said than done, but it is worth the effort. Do whatever you need to do to feel comfortable in your own skin – taking classes, getting outside your comfort zone, therapy – whatever helps you along in your evolution. I like to think of it as sculpting your life into what you need it to be. When you are truly your own person and doing whatever aligns with our values, your confidence and enthusiasm will come through and others will be drawn to that energy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.debramixonart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debramixonart
- Other: https://www.nativeplantconsulting.com
