In 1973, after majoring in sculpture at the Vancouver School of Art, an opportunity arose to apprentice at Vancouver’s New World Jade Co. A recession in the mid-70s meant the end of NWJ. A new independent studio was set up which eventually led to a move to Vernon in 1983.
Since 1993, jade carving workshops have been conducted in her well-equipped home studio.
Deborah’s jade sculpture: “Kalamalka Reflections” was commissioned by OTISS 2002, for the City of Vernon. “Luna” was commissioned for The Rise in Vernon in 2008. The most recent monumental jade sculpture “Lotus Unfolding” was created for The Wade, in Victoria.
Deborah was the first western female jade artist to exhibit her work in China and has won awards for many entries since the first trip in 2014.
A lifelong mission to encourage others to carve stone, is being realized through her workshops, social media and societies that share the same vision.
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My jade carving workshops have been ongoing since1993. My first student was a young mother with 2 daughters. Recently I was thrilled to welcome one of those daughters to her own jade workshop with me, all these years later!
Usually they run for 5 days to ensure that the project will be completed, with all the steps taken. Each workshop is unique which keeps me on my toes!
Attendees have come from all corners of the planet to learn about jade, otherwise known in jade culture as the “Stone of Heaven”.
The projects range from wearable pieces such as pendants, bracelets or earrings to small and medium sized sculptures. I’ve had beginners create wonderful first ever pieces which I trust they’ll keep for their grandkids. More experienced sculptors and jewellers attend in order to learn lapidary skills specific to jade carving when commissioned by collectors.
Lastly, my jade workshops inspired similar endeavors in the US, California in particular. Since those early days 20 years ago, novice carvers, scuba diving to find boulders of jade in the ocean at Big Sur, are now recognized jade artists and collectors in their own right.
We all are riding the wave! (Those divers are also surfers, not my forte!)
Please go to: Deborah Wilson’s Jade Carving Workshops on Facebook for some great visuals and text to explain the process.