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About the Artist
Meet Deb – A Life in Art
Deb has always been an artist—no matter the role, path, or phase of life. Her hands have shaped clay, stitched fabric, layered paint, and explored nearly every medium available, driven by a deep curiosity and desire to create something meaningful.
“I follow where inspiration leads me. Sometimes that’s with thread, other times with clay or paint,” she says. “I experiment until I find a material or technique that resonates with how I want to express a feeling or an idea.”
A Creative Turning Point
Her discovery of polymer clay in 2014 marked a turning point. Initially drawn to creating unique necklaces, she soon began exploring more complex techniques that allowed her to blend her love of texture, color, and storytelling. By 2019, her work had evolved into mixed media—an ideal form that lets her merge artistic disciplines into compelling visual narratives.
Blending Technology with Tradition
Deb’s artistic process is deeply innovative. In 2023, she began experimenting with text-to-image AI, generating distinctive visuals that are transferred onto clay and enhanced with hand painting after baking. These images, infused with her personal touch, become focal points in layered compositions that often include found objects, vintage embellishments, and meaningful details inspired by folklore, symbolism, and history.
Each piece is more than a work of art—it’s an invitation to pause, reflect, and connect. Through her art, Deb offers a glimpse into a world shaped by curiosity, reinvention, and boundless creativity.
A Lifelong Maker with a Passion for Meaningful Art
Deb has worn many hats throughout her life, but creativity has always been her guiding force. No matter the season or circumstance, she has remained rooted in her identity as an artist—one who constantly explores, evolves, and experiments.
"I’m curious by nature," Deb shares. "I love trying different mediums until I find what suits me best." Over the years, that curiosity has led her through drawing, painting, ceramics, sewing, and fiber arts. Each medium has shaped her artistic voice, allowing her to build a foundation of skill, technique, and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship.
A Unique Approach to Mixed Media
Today, Deb works primarily as a mixed media artist, known for her intricate use of polymer clay, storytelling, and visual symbolism. Her process is as layered as her finished pieces. She begins by printing digitally created imagery onto water-soluble paper using a laser jet printer. These visuals are then transferred onto polymer clay and brought to life with hand-painted details after baking.
What sets her work apart is the thoughtful fusion of materials and meaning. Found objects, vintage materials, and reclaimed embellishments often find their way into her compositions—each one selected for the character, texture, or story it brings. The result is artwork that feels soulful, dimensional, and full of personality.
Art with Layers of Folklore, Symbolism, and Emotion
Deb’s handmade pieces often tap into themes of folklore, symbolism, and personal history. Every item—whether a wearable pendant or a larger wall composition—is designed to spark a feeling, start a conversation, or stir the imagination. Her work invites the viewer to pause, reflect, and connect with something deeper.
Whether you're an art lover, a collector, or simply someone who values the beauty of handcrafted, meaningful work, Deb’s art offers a glimpse into a world where materials tell stories and curiosity leads the way.
A Fusion of Old and New
I am Deborah Kovacs-Sturdevant, a professional polymer clay and mixed media artist based in Cincinnati, Ohio. My work blends elements of Gothic, Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Modern, and Mexican folk art, creating pieces that are both unique and full of storytelling depth.
Sacred Stories in Clay & Color
Stories in Every Piece
I specialize in shrines, Nichos, sacred hearts, and various mixed media artworks. Each piece I create carries a touch of symbolism, folklore, and history. I aim to tell stories through my art, blending both tradition and imagination to bring my creations to life.
Art as Legacy
To me, art is more than just creation—it's my legacy. As I often say, "My art is what I will leave behind when I’ve shuffled off this mortal coil. It’s my legacy, and I want to touch something in the viewers of my art and leave a positive legacy." Every piece I make is a reflection of this belief.
My Artistic Philosophy
I see myself as a storyteller through the medium of polymer clay and mixed media. Each of my creations carries a piece of my soul, capturing the emotions, tales, and histories that inspire me. Whether it's a sacred heart or a shrine, I aim to offer art that resonates with the viewer, sparking thought and evoking feelings.
Available Online
I also share my work through my Etsy shop, where you can explore my unique creations and perhaps find something that speaks to you.
For Art Lovers & Collectors
I invite all art enthusiasts, collectors, and patrons of Gothic, Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Modern, and Mexican folk art to explore my work. Each piece is crafted with care and a deep connection to storytelling through art.