As Deborah Ullyett, born in Zimbabwe and having spent my formative years in the vibrant land of Malawi, I was immersed in a world known as the warm heart of Africa. In 1971, my family made the decision to move there, and it was within this beautiful yet economically challenged nation that my artistic journey began.
Malawi, with its population exceeding 18 million people, many of whom live on a mere $1.90 per day, taught me the profound value of every item. In a country where access to basic commodities is limited, everything is considered precious, given a secondary purpose, and recycled. The resourcefulness and creativity of the Malawian people demonstrated that scarcity can lead to self-sufficiency, a low carbon footprint, and a multitude of other achievements.
My childhood in Malawi was an authentic African experience, characterized by simplicity and a lack of materialistic influences. Residing in a remote and lush part of the country, we lived with few luxuries. These circumstances, although challenging, provided me with humbling and soul-enriching lessons in survival and adaptation. Being in a far-flung corner of the nation meant that boarding school became a necessary part of my life from a young age, first in Malawi and later in South Africa.
My unique perspective as an artist is shaped by the contrasting worlds of Malawi and Australia, where I now reside. The challenges and opportunities of a developing country have honed my problem-solving skills, which have become an integral part of my approach to life and artistic endeavors. The resourcefulness I acquired from making the best of what was available has greatly influenced my artistic vision, inspiring me to repurpose materials and give them new life in my creations.
In my art, I strive to capture the duality of my experiences, intertwining the beauty and pain of Africa with the fresh opportunities I have encountered in Australia. Working across diverse mediums such as painting, sculpture, and photography, I seek to encapsulate the essence of these two worlds. Themes of identity, memory, and resilience permeate my artwork, reflecting the strength I have gained through my life's journey.
The profound appreciation for the value of all things, instilled in me by my mother, sister, and grandmother during my upbringing, is an ever-present force in my artistic process. Their teachings on preservation and the recognition of beauty in the smallest of things have shaped my personal style and material preferences. Each piece I create pays homage to the significant individuals who have played vital roles in my life, serving as a testament to their influence.
I am forever grateful for the richness of my experiences and the unique perspectives they have afforded me.
Through my work, I hope to inspire others to find beauty in the ordinary, to embrace their own journeys of resilience and adaptation, and to honor the interconnectedness of our lives and the people who shape us.
