METRO VIEWS

Last year I took a job in Washington, DC, and started taking the metro to work. As I sat, I began to notice how interesting the head looks from the back so started doing drawings during my commute. The ears are particularly odd looking when seen from behind and very difficult to draw! Along with observing passengers on the metro, I began people watching in the city and began drawing characters who caught my eye. This collection is shown with Metro Views.

FLOWER PETAL & LEAF COLLAGE

For my latest project, I use photographs of flowers and leaves and incorporate them with drawing. The idea germinated last fall when the colors and patterns of the leaves were speaking to me. I loved photographing them but wanted to do something more to show them off. I begin by removing the background of each photo using the Procreate app on my iPad. Then I layer them following the shape of my drawing. The heron is one of my favorite birds and was the perfect shape for the layering of over 40 leaves.

Working with layering photographs lead me to the idea of using flower petals to create fashion. Over time, I’ve created an extensive collection of flower petal fashion designs set in whimsical backgrounds.

DIGITAL ART

A visit to the Georges Braque exhibit at the Phillips Collection in Washington, DC, was the inspiration for the majority of prints shown in the Artwork section. Another group of prints show the influence of a trip to Japan.

Each print was created using the Procreate iPad drawing app. Original photographs were manipulated using Moku, Filterstorm, and Superimpose apps. Drawn images were juxtaposed with photos creating lively montages of color and pattern.

All of the artwork and photography on this site are available for purchase in custom sizes. Please inquire at deborahrhansen@gmail.com

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

Deborah has been sewing her own clothes since she was 14 years old. Her passion for textiles and clothing continues to grow and remains an important part of her life. She received a BFA in Textile Design at California State University Northridge.

Three years ago, she and her best friend opened their own clothing business called Be One of a Kind. Deborah and Jacqi designed and sewed one of a kind scarves, knit tops, and jackets. Their unique styling consisted of piecing various printed fabrics together and joining them with serged outside seams. The line was successful and sold in boutiques throughout the country. After two years they decided it was time to grow the business or to try something new. Jacqi is now a petroleum engineer and Deborah still enjoys creating one of a kind clothing.

Seasonal pieces are available for purchase on the Shop page.

PILLOWS

In 2014, Deborah designed a line of linen decorative pillows. Many designs utilize strips of linen which are joined together with serged outside seams. Others are appliquéd with decorative stitching or have hand painted details.

Her summer 2016 line focuses on transforming her original artwork into textile designs.

An assortment of pillows are available seasonally on the Shop page.

PAINTED GLASSWARE

Several years ago Deborah started her first business, Rydell Design Hand Painted Glassware. The line consisted of painted glasses of all shapes, bowls, pitchers, decanters, vases, and paperweights. Watercolor techniques were used with glass paint creating beautiful blended effects. Her glassware was sold in the Museum Shop at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, DC.