Debra O’Regan

Melbourne, Victoria

I was born and raised in Bundaberg, Queensland, one of twelve children to a white father and an indigenous mother.  I am a descendent of the Kabi Kabi people of SE Queensland. My artwork pays homage to both sides of my cultural heritage.

What artistic flair I have was inherited from my mother, who possessed a unique ability to transform the simplest of nature’s offerings, such as a piece of driftwood or seashell, into a thing of beauty. I began drawing as a child with very limited resources, and beyond watching and attempting to imitate my mother, I have no artistic training. In other words, I am completely self-taught and have developed my skills through simple trial and error.

Some years ago, I turned my hand to writing and published my autobiography in 2015. At the same time, I re-discovered my passion for drawing and produced a number of paintings, one of which features on the cover of my book.

I moved to Tasmania with my husband and two daughters 25 years ago, and apart from a brief return to Queensland 15 years ago, we have lived in the Launceston area ever since.

I am currently a contracted artist with Madeline Gordon Gallery, Charles Street, Launceston and Huon Art in Cygnet, Southern Tasmania.