Amidst the shopping centers of Chicago, Illinois, Debbie Myers’ passion for art blossomed. From an early age, Myers’ admired her mother, a talented artist, as she sold her pieces at local art shows amongst the bustling marketplaces. Meyers’ was always by her side; she took in the innovative energy around her which sparked her desire to create. Even as a child, she knew that art would always be a part of her life. 

Her time growing up in Chicago granted Meyers’ the opportunity to indulge in the rich history and culture of the city. She often found herself reflecting on the pieces found in the Art Institute of Chicago, igniting her creative spirit as she indulged in the wide variety of art the Institute had to offer. Eventually, Meyers’ decided to leave her home in Chicago to attend college at Arkansas State and pursue a degree in Graphic Design. However, the artistry in her blood called forth her true passion for watercolor, a medium that ultimately captured her heart and career. 

Meyers’ embraced her calling as a watercolorist, her passion leading her on a journey to embrace the medium as she worked to bring her artistic vision to life. She eventually met her husband, a Mississippi native. They settled in Oxford, Mississippi, in 2009, drawn in by the charm of the small town, beauty of the Delta, and of course, the history, music, and food of the Oxford culture. The factors that led the couple to nestle there still “…have an influence on [their] everyday life, which in turn, is reflected in [Meyers’] artwork.” 

Meyers’ states her luck in having been blessed with the opportunity to explore Mississippi through an artist’s eye. As one of the founding committee members of the Mississippi Plein Air Painters, she has deeply become invested in sharing her work through organizing “Paint Outs” in local areas around Oxford, such as Laurel, Ocean Springs and Vicksburg.

She finds joy in painting simplistic images such as children at play, seeking to capture moments that evoke cherished memories. “I want the viewer to take away a memory of a simpler time, as a child, without a care in the world.” Meyers states. She aims to transport the viewer with nostalgia, such as playing outside, dancing in the rain, and embracing the whimsy nature of being unburdened. Meyers’ watercolor work stirs the viewer’s inner child, reminding them of carefree childhood days when the world felt light and airy. 

Her residency in Oxford has granted her the time to approach other mediums as well. Her work stretches from her canvas to the historical buildings on the Oxford Square; her brush thoughtfully touches each brick of the town to be viewed and admired by its citizens. Each stroke represents a memory of the times she has spent in the community as she utilizes her craft to give back to others. 

Through the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council, she has been granted the opportunity and space to share her passion of watercolor with others in the Oxford area. Meyers’ teaches watercolor classes with the funding from the Mississippi Arts Commission for supplies and tools, allotting her the ability to not only practice her skills, but to build a collective artist community.

“Mississippi embraces their artists and creatives,” Myers says. “We are a unique state that encourages and promotes the Arts.” There is no world she could imagine thriving in without having the ability to create and express her love of watercolor with others. 

To learn more about Debbie Myers’, visit @deep_roots_art on Instagram and Deep Roots Art on Facebook to view her previous work.