DURING the depths of Covid lockdowns, a period where many of us found unexpected time to pause, reflect and look inwardly, a local woman picked up a paintbrush for the first time and as the saying goes, the rest is history.
Deb De Luca has captured the hearts and eyes of the Kyabram community with her series of sketches, ‘Kyabram Streetscapes’.
Depicting everyday scenes keenly observed by Deb on her travels around town, each weekly instalment is posted to Facebook and Instagram. While the drawings do not feature the faces of the people drawn by Deb, many have recognised themselves or people they know by spotting their clothing, hairstyle or remembering being there at the time and place the illustrations detail.
“It’s so lovely when someone comments below a drawing, “that’s me!”, it’s wonderful to have such a strong connection to the Kyabram community and it brings me so much joy. It’s so nice when people say they look out for my next drawing, and that they have spotted the little hidden eyes that feature in my illustrative work,” said Deb.
Deb has found solace in art and has a new-found appreciation of how creative outlets can be such a positive force in people’s lives.
“Drawing and painting is deeply therapeutic. The ability to express myself through art and create beautiful things has helped me focus on something creative and enjoyable through the last couple of years.”
As for where Deb produces her work, she laughs as she tells me her favourite place to paint is the kitchen bench.
“I do have an easel, on which rests a still-life painting my grandmother painted, but I do my best work right here in the kitchen.”
Currently, a collection of Deb’s drawings are on display at Albion Arcade in Kyabram. You can also view them on Instagram at
@kystreetscapes and @debdelucaart.
