Post on 25-Sep-2020
Deborah G. Rogers The Weight of my Thoughts, 2017 Air-dried ceramic, mixed media Courtesy of the Artist
For more information or to book a tour contact Rebecca Davidson, Manager of
School and Educator Programs at Rebecca@VirginiaMOCA.org or 757-425-
0000 x323
RESOURCES *Teachers, be sure to check the appropriateness before
showing to students.
• Article about Deborah Rogers: http://shelleyfolkart.typepad.com/
folk_art_carved_and_paint/2010/11/guest-artist-deborah-g-rogers.html
• Article about Deborah Rogers: http://www.thenewyorkoptimist.com/
DeborahRogersMarch21_2013.html
• Interview with Deborah Rogers: http://www.larkandkey.com/guest-artist-deborah-g-
rogers/
Virginia MOCA celebrates regional artists with Small Works, Tall Tales. This is an exhibition of narrative sculpture
presented on a small scale. Each featured artist is a storyteller. Their works are a witty and complex interpretation of
our world. The different materials and styles of the artists result in a wide variety of work. Yet, all the works are of a
personal, approachable size which draw you into their world.
2200 Parks Avenue | Virginia Beach, VA 23451
757-425-0000 | www.VirginiaMOCA.org
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Self-taught artist, Deborah G. Rogers, creates her narrative works
using a material familiar to most students, air-dry clay. Through her
unique process she brings the clay to life, creating moments of a
story. Deborah G. Rogers started her career as a children's book
illustrator. She soon grew tired of working on other people's ideas, and
began to focus on her own. Her works start with an idea. She then
figures out the title for the work. From there she creates her
sculptures.
Deborah Rogers. Photograph by Fresh Look Photography.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
• How does the piece reflect the title, The Weight of my Thoughts?
• What could the owl represent? What about the eyes? What about the smaller figure
at the top of this piece?
• When you think of the phrase “the weight of my thoughts”, what comes to mind?
How would you depict that in a work of art?
MINI LESSON
• Think of a saying or expression that has meaning to you. What images come to
mind when you think of that saying? Sketch some of those images.
• Using air-dry clay, try to sculpt some of those images. How can they go together?
• Once you have put your pieces together decide how you will add color. Will is be
with paint? Markers? Colored pencils?
“… a touch of my
insanity from the
weight of my
thoughts, the
expection [sic] of my
thoughts, the value
of my thoughts with
the whole world
waits and watched
with curious
anticipation.
-Deborah Rogers