We recently had the chance to connect with Deb Slowey-Raguso and have shared our conversation below.
Deb, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Embracing a Wider Reach
The biggest fear we’re overcoming now is expanding our reach significantly and professionally. We’ve seen great organic growth, but it’s time to intentionally target a much larger market. This means refining our message and investing in more strategic outreach, believing our solutions are ready for a broader audience. There’s a natural apprehension with stepping out of our comfort zone, but the excitement of seeing our impact grow, knowing we have something truly valuable, far outweighs that fear. We’re ready for this new chapter.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Introducing Debi: An Artist’s Journey
Hi everyone! I’m Debi, and I’m an artist, passionate about creating paintings that tell a story and evoke emotion. My work isn’t just about putting paint on canvas; it’s about capturing moments, feelings, and the beauty I find in the world around me.
What makes my art unique, and what I’m truly excited about right now, is how I translate deeply personal experiences and observations into vibrant, expressive pieces. Each painting holds a piece of my journey, inviting viewers to find their own connection within the colors and forms.
Currently, I’m focused on expanding the reach of my art. I’m exploring new ways to share my work with a wider audience, connect with more art lovers, and bring my creative vision to new spaces. It’s a thrilling time as I embrace this next chapter of growth and sharing.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
Releasing the ‘Endless Development’ Mindset
The part of me that has served its purpose and now must be released is the belief that my art is solely in a perpetual state of “development.” For decades, my focus has largely been on the creative process itself, the continuous learning, and the evolution of my craft. While that deep commitment to growth will always be a part of me, I’m now understanding that the concept of “development” also includes getting my art out into the world.
This means releasing the idea of my paintings primarily as a growing personal inventory. They’re more than just canvases waiting in the studio; they’re expressions meant to be experienced, lived with, and cherished by others. The purpose that’s now served is the idea that the journey ends with the completion of a piece. It’s time to fully embrace the next stage: seeing my art become a living legacy, a business that allows these precious creations to find their homes and create new stories with those who connect with them. It’s about letting go of the internal process being the sole endpoint and embracing the outward journey of sharing.
Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
When My Voice Was Truly Heard
Absolutely, I remember a time when someone truly listened to me, and it was a moment deeply tied to my greatest passion: painting. Beyond my love for people and for God, the world of art and painting has been my life’s devotion. I’ve poured countless hours into understanding every facet of it, from technique to history, and have sought out and absorbed as much art as I possibly could.
One standout memory of being truly heard took place on a committee for a major art exhibition in New York City, at a very respected institution. I found myself at a table surrounded by incredibly knowledgeable individuals—top dealers, prominent board members, and people with incredibly high standards for understanding artistic quality. To be honest, I was a bit overwhelmed, mostly listening and taking it all in.
At one point, as they were discussing the overall direction of the exhibition, I must have had a certain look, a silent urge to contribute. Someone at the table noticed and said, “You look like you want to say something.” Suddenly, all eyes were on me. I don’t recall the exact words I offered, but what I do remember vividly is that they truly listened. They took my input seriously, so much so that it actually influenced a change in the exhibition’s direction. Whether it was a subtle shift or a new inclusion I suggested, it was a direct result of the knowledge and, of course, the love I have for painting. It was a profound moment, not of pride, but of feeling genuinely heard and respected for my unique perspective within a group of such esteemed professionals.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The Myth of the Overnight Superstar & Infallible Commodity
Firstly, there’s the pervasive lie that the art market creates infallible “superstars” whose every creation instantly becomes a high-value commodity. This narrative suggests that once an artist achieves this status, their work transcends critical evaluation; anything they touch is deemed “important art” and guaranteed a place in history. The truth is far more complex and often less meritocratic. This notion fuels a system where value can be dictated by market speculation and branding, rather than solely by intrinsic artistic quality or enduring cultural impact. It’s a dangerous simplification that implies a select few are “allowed” to make art their sole career, while inadvertently devaluing the vast body of incredible work produced by artists not granted this “superstar” status.
The Deception of Effortless Marketing Gimmicks
Conversely, the second lie suggests that anyone can achieve financial success in art by simply mastering marketing gimmicks and “bullshitting” their way to sales. This implies that artists can thrive by creating purely what sells, often at the expense of genuine artistic exploration or quality, focusing solely on a “hook” or a predictable style. While marketing is certainly a vital skill, this lie minimizes the years of dedication, skill development, and authentic creative output that truly sustain an artistic career. It can lead aspiring artists astray, prioritizing surface-level popularity over profound artistic contribution, suggesting that a lack of a “day job” can be achieved through cleverness alone, without deep substance.
The Unseen Majority: Authentic Skill and Connection
The reality is that these two extremes do not represent the vast majority of artists. The truth lies in the artists who are tirelessly honing their skills, dedicating themselves to making genuinely beautiful and meaningful work, and seeking to connect that work with an audience. For artists like myself, the primary driver is the creation itself—the decades of development, the passion poured into each piece. The goal isn’t to be an unapproachable superstar or a marketing-driven “dabbler,” but to build a sincere, sustainable career where the work finds its audience, is cherished, and creates its own legacy. It’s about achieving a level of financial stability through authentic sales—perhaps even having a waiting list for work—that allows the freedom to continue painting, traveling, and living a life dedicated to art without constant financial strain. That, for most artists, is the honest and most fulfilling measure of success.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I Had 10 Years Left
If I had only 10 years left, my first instinct, the very thing that lights up in my heart and mind, is to stop saving money. I’d calculate my financial resources, divide them by ten, and then structure my life to spend it all, aiming to end with zero. Of course, this isn’t about reckless abandon; it’s about optimizing every remaining moment for experience, connection, and creation. It’s about ensuring I can travel, continue to paint without financial worry, and embrace every opportunity to deepen my understanding of the world and my art, rather than accumulating for a future that won’t arrive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.debslowey.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debslowey/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debslowey/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debslowey/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@debbieslowey
Image Credits
Portrait photo of me photo credit is by- R Anderson Hord III
