Deborah Whitman – Sculptor
Town of Norwich

I have been carving abstract human figures in wood and stone since 1982. Wood was my first love because the grain and essence is beautiful to work in.  Since hardwood was non-existent in my homeland of Colorado I started carving alabaster (which I still get shipments from). Alabaster is soft and varies in color so it too ‘speaks to my heart’ and is much easier on my hands.  I started working in cement in 1997 so I could make outdoor garden sculptures and create larger pieces than what I am able to carve out of wood.

I prefer telling a story through abstract figures that captures the universal human desires of all cultures, ages and sexes such as a child sitting on an adult’s lap or two people hugging.  My animal series began in 2004 in response to how still I get and comforted I am while watching and appreciating wildlife.
For the most part I am self taught but I did learn the basics and importance of observation and carving at Oswego College for my art degree.
 I am blessed with being a part time employee at Chenango County Council of the Arts as their Gallery Director.  It is my hopes and dreams that one day I will be able to support myself with my sculpting.
I was the first MIC director in 1997, quit MIC in 1998 and rejoined in 2005.

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