Debra Riffe

“I’m a  native of Tupelo who now calls Birmingham, AL ”home.” I received my B.F.A. from

Howard University, College of Fine Arts in Washington, DC. I’ve traveled extensively and 

lived in Barranquilla, Colombia, South America for five years.  I’m a professional graphic

designer and I’ve worked in both the private and public sectors.

 

My linoleum block relief prints reflect my love for the South and all things southern. 

The majority of my compositions depict singular, figurative images of African Americans 

placed in rural settings of the American South. Individuals are represented at work or at 

play performing everyday tasks in timeless, solitary, reflective moments; tasks which 

represent concepts of social status and identity. I appreciate the ordinary and I try to 

introduce a setting or an experience that will stir an emotion that the viewer can respond 

to. At first glance, my figures appear to be anonymous. However, upon closer examination 

one will quickly recognize an activity or a place long forgotten.”