Debra Shipley has been a full-time artist and writer for over 20 years. She has had her writing, drawings, illustrations and photography in books, newspapers and magazines. She is currently Artist in Residence at the Julian of Norwich Shrine in Norfolk. She was selected as a Thames Festival Artist in 2023, and again this year - the exhibition trail is part of the 2026 festival.
Follow Debra on Instagram: @debra.artist
Debra writes "Bowls in a Fragile World is a national, multi-year, multi-venue project. Every culture, all around the world make bowls from their local materials: clay, reeds, glass, metal. As an artist seeking to use eco-friendly material in my work, I realised that my most readily available local material was in my recycling bin - junk paper, packaging, used envelopes.
After much experimentation, I decided to make paper bowls. I chose the bowl shape because all around the world an empty bowl is a sign of human need. I soon realised that the recycled paper I was utilising was polluted with specks of plastic and residual chemicals from the paper printing processes.
So my work has evolved to be a statement about pollution and how climate change is affecting the poorest around the world the most.
My exhibition combines this inspiration with my work as Artist in Residence at the Julian of Norwich Shrine and my specific response to being a Visiting Artist at All Hallows. Finally, and importantly, I aim to make art which gives something beautiful to enjoy."
We look forward to welcoming you to see the exhibition. It is open Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm and 10am-5pm at weekends.