'Let the beauty of what you love be what you do'. ~ Rumi
Born in Perth, Western Australia, fine art photographer Debbie O’Donnell began her career as a fashion photographer before moving to New York. After a detour through the corporate world Debbie embarked on a new path - stepping back into and embracing her passion for photography.
Enchanted by our natural world, and a desire for a more heart-centered approach to photography, Debbie is focusing on exploring the alluring landscapes of flora and botanicals. Ever since studying Japanese in high school, Debbie has been drawn to Japanese art, especially calligraphy and artwork depicting nature. Shibui (simplicity), Wabi-sabi (impermanence) and Miyabi (elegance), elements of Japanese aesthetics, influence the way she shoots. Debbie sees the same motion and flow of the calligraphy brush in the movement of tree branches in the wind, and the waves of flower petals. She attempts to capture that sense of serenity, stillness and harmony that makes you want to slow down. For Debbie, photography is a form of meditation.
EXHIBITIONS
July 5 - July 26, 2024: Juried Exhibition - Botanical - PhotoPlace Gallery, Middlebury, Vermont
August 1 - August 31, 2018: Coming Home - Red Filter Gallery
June 30 - July 22, 2018: Group Exhibition Fundraiser - Woodstock Summer Love - The Center for Photography at Woodstock, New York
November 15 - November 19, 2017: Group show - photography + science - Lishui Photography Festival, China
November 8 - November 12, 2017: Group show - photography + science - Yixian International Photography Festival, China
October 30 - November 12, 2017: Group show - Ambient Landscapes - Black Eye Gallery, Sydney Australia
July 1 - July 15, 2017: Group Exhibition Fundraiser - Woodstock Summer Love - The Center for Photography at Woodstock, New York
AWARDS
Honorable Mentions -2017 International Photography Awards (IPA)- Fine Art, Other & Nature, Other Winner - 2017 APA Awards - Series Honorable Mention -2017 MonoVisions Photography Awards - Series, Landscapes
Grand Prize - 2016 One Life International Photography Competition
Honorable Mention -2016 International Photography Awards (IPA) - Nature, Trees
