An artist, whose work helped her in her fight against cancer, has returned with a new exhibition – inspired by the area’s wildlife.
Debbie Storey has opened her Wild Encounters showcase at The Pennoyer Centre in Pulham St Mary, where she previously exhibited in September 2022.
Moongazer hares, stags and wild horses emerging from magical forests are just some of the scenes that have taken pride of place in the centre’s chapel until May 15.
The 41-year-old Pulham resident said: “I have loved painting and drawing ever since I was a child. When I was really little, my mum used to set me up with my paints outside as I always made such a mess.”
Miss Storey underwent treatment for cancer in the last 18 months – an experience that led her to seek solace in her work.
“Art helped me through my teenage years and my battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma,” she told the Diss Express. “When I’m painting, I’m not thinking about anything else.
“It’s a great way to relax and tune out the stresses of everyday life.”
Her new exhibition focuses on acrylic, with the artist favouring bright, bold colours to portray the natural world.
Often using a palette knife to capture movement and build texture into her pieces, she said it gives her work something special.
“It is very easy to get caught up with the details when painting, but using a knife or my fingers gives me the ability to create a sense of movement and magic that makes the work more atmospheric and ethereal,” said Miss Storey, a marketing and communications manager at South Norfolk Council.
“We live in such a beautiful part of the world and the wildlife on our doorstep often leaves me in awe. When you spot hares boxing in the fields or a herd of deer, capturing those moments is really magical.”
