We had the good fortune of connecting with Debbie Bzdyl and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Debbie, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking

While I wouldn’t necessarily call myself a daredevil, taking risks has definitely shaped my career.

The first major leap I took was leaving my graphic design job at Clemson University to launch my own business. While I enjoyed my role at the university for five years, I was also taking on freelance design projects on nights and weekends. The workload grew to a point where I had a decision to make: scale back on the freelance work or take the plunge and pursue my own venture.

The chance to explore more creative opportunities was a powerful motivator. So, in 1991, I traded the security of my Clemson position for the freedom of running my own graphic design business. The first month was a bit nerve-wracking, but things quickly turned around, and new clients came in steadily.

Fast forward 22 years to my second career risk. After building a successful design business, I decided to take early retirement and fully immerse myself in my fine art passion. What a fulfilling journey it’s been! Initially, art was just a hobby, but my driven personality craved more. I wanted to share and sell my creations, and that meant learning the ropes of approaching galleries professionally.

In 2020, I enrolled in an intensive Art Business Academy course. It equipped me with the skills to develop a cohesive body of work and confidently approach galleries. It was a long road, and rejections were commonplace. Some galleries didn’t even respond, while others expressed admiration for my work but simply didn’t have space for new artists. But perseverance is key, and it paid off!

Two years ago, I landed representation at a gallery in Tallahassee, Florida. And just recently, the owner of Soul Intention Gallery in Clayton, Georgia, reached out and invited me to showcase my work in their space!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

My Inspiration

My artistic journey is fueled by a deep fascination with impermanence. The ever-changing nature of our world, from the natural environment to humankind and the cosmos itself, inspires my creative process. Viewers often describe my work as evoking a sense of serenity or transcendence, a quality that draws them in and creates a meaningful connection. For me, the true success of my art lies in its ability to inspire a fresh and exhilarating perspective on our world.

Breaking New Ground

One of my biggest thrills right now is taking my art career to the next level by exhibiting in galleries. This is a significant step, and it wouldn’t have been possible without sheer hard work, unwavering determination, and a strong belief that my art has something meaningful to offer.

The road to becoming a recognized artist isn’t paved with roses. Rejection is a common theme, whether it’s from juried shows or gallery submissions. But the key to overcoming these hurdles is perseverance –  keeping the faith in yourself and your artistic vision.

Lessons Learned

The journey has taught me some valuable lessons. The most important? Never give up! Keep creating, keep pushing yourself to improve, and keep putting your work out there. Eventually, you’ll find your audience.

Connecting Through Abstraction

What sets my work apart is a style of abstract art that resonates with a surprisingly wide audience, even those who might not typically be drawn to abstraction. This is especially true of my latest nature-inspired series. My primary goal is to capture the mysterious, the intangible – the emotions and concepts that lie beyond the surface of everyday life.

Think of this quote by Albert Einstein: “Never cease to stand like curious children before the Great Mystery into which we were born.” This profound sentiment perfectly encapsulates what I want viewers to experience when they encounter my art. It’s this deep passion to capture the ever-evolving mystery of existence that keeps me coming back to the canvas, eager to create.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Pendleton and the surrounding areas have many hidden gems! Here’s what would be on my itinerary for a friend visiting:

•We could kick off the day with a hike in the mountains to see some of the breathtaking waterfalls. Afterwards, we’d head to Clayton, Georgia, to visit Soul Intension Gallery, a stunningly beautiful gallery where I am fortunate enough to be one of the artists!

• A walk around the Pendleton downtown area is always a treat. There are several good lunch and dinner spots and many wonderful shops. For a dose of local art, we could explore the Art Gallery on Pendleton Square, a charming co-op gallery showcasing everything from pottery and jewelry to paintings and photography by talented local artisans.

•The perfect end to the day would be to have dinner at 1826 Bistro in downtown Pendleton. It’s a fantastic restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and delicious food.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Without a doubt, the unwavering support of my husband has been instrumental in my successes. He’s always been my biggest cheerleader, encouraging me with every career decision, big or small. Whether it was taking the leap to start my own business or pursuing my art full-time, he’s been there every step of the way.

Website: https://www.debbiebzdylart.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debbie_bzdyl_art/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debbiebzdylart/

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSouthCarolina is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.