Debbie Lee Mostel is a science-based thinker/designer/artist who sees wonder in every drop of water and behind every blade of grass.  Her awards for kinetic designs, art-in-public places commissions, forward-looking  jewelry, sculptures, and paintings all point to her drive for innovation. Her inventive nature and lack of tolerance for wastefulness has culminated in “Debbie’s Wonder Sponge”!  Debbie shows us how to take the drudgery out of cleaning up a mess by adding her unique twist of creativity.  The Rickie Report shares the details and photos here while we marvel at this serious artist’s unending capacity for joy, humor and practicality!

Debbie Lee Mostel’s training with master goldsmith Ellen Broker and master silversmith Hans Christensen of Denmark gave her the base for transforming her creative ideas into solid businesses. Early in Debbie’s career, after a stint at Tiffany’s, she formed her own company. Her work in the wholesale jewelry business brought her acclaim with designs being carried by Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, Macy’s, Henri Bendel, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Her jewelry was seen in many Richard Avedon fashion photographs. Debbie has sold her one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry (many made from lamp worked glass she created) at the prestigious juried Annual Palm Beach Fine Craft Show.

Debbie Lee Mostel’s Wonder Sponges!

Debbie tells The Rickie Report, “I’m the type of artist/designer that thrives on exploring new mediums. Like the shark…I have to keep moving. My formal education started with Metal and Glass, decades later I found myself in a fruitful career of painting and sculpture as well.  My sense of curiosity is what I thrive on, exploring new mediums and continually growing as an artist”.

TRR:  Your formal education (BFA California College of the Arts and Pratt Institute in New York) began in metal and glass, under the tutelage of glass visionary Marvin Lipofsky (student of Harvey Littleton) and included workshops with Dale Chihuly. You have a fruitful career that has incorporated painting, sculpture, and kinetics! Most of us know you as a fine artist who has garnered awards and accolades to fill albums.  What brought you to designing a sponge?

DLM:

So remember that floor mop in the form of slippers? Good concept but ugly and inconvenient. Enter my beautiful sloppy dog named Lucky. He drinks from his bowl, slobbers down his chin, drips all over the house and looks at me, and says “Mom help, I’m a mess. My face is wet, the floor is an embarrassment, what can you do?” After years of exhaustingly wasting paper towels, bending, and wiping,  I thought of that slipper and said to myself “ I can design something better. Something easy to use, cost-effective, and aesthetically appealing”.

Debbie Lee Mostel’s Wonder Sponges!

TRR:  Taking spinning VCR motors, trap doors, wind-up toys, and even a Slinky, you caught the attention of Tom Shadyac, director of many Jim Carey movies with one of your Globe series.  Please take us through your process with these sponges.

DLM:

After months of trial and error, I came up with Debbie’s Wonder Sponge. Friends and neighbors all wanted one (or two), so I introduced the Sponge at trade shows where I exhibit my Designer Jewelry. When I demonstrated the sponges on a piece of linoleum, they started flying out the door!

TRR: In between exhibits, you worked for Tom Matthews, an event planner in Palm Beach as their Resident Artist creating hanging light sculptures at Mar a Lago and mosaic topiaries for the Surf Club. You’ve created specialty environments for the Flagler Museum, Breakers, Brazilian Court, and Colony Hotel, to name a few. Debbie’s Wonder Sponges ARE clever and pretty.  How have people reacted?

DLM:

The only complaint I’ve gotten so far is that some people think they are too pretty to get dirty. Nonsense! It’s functional art.  Now customers are buying 6 or 8 at a time to give as gifts.

Debbie’s Wonder Sponge! “You’ll wonder how you lived without it!”

Don’t waste money on paper towels for all those little clean-up needs.

Machine wash and dry. Handpainted with acrylic fabric paint so will NEVER run, fade or crack.

A functional piece of little art that helps you enjoy a happy, healthy home.

Leave it by the sink for a quick cleanup of water spots then spray a little disinfectant on the counter and WOOSH…happy and healthy.

Leave it on the floor, step on it and PUSH!!!!…water spots and spills instantly gone. From water dispenser to sloppy dog!

Debbie Lee Mostel’s Wonder Sponges!

TRR:  Where are you selling them?

DLM:  On my Etsy site – and shipping is free!

More about Debbie Lee Mostel:

 The Norton Museum of Art has featured Debbie in their Art After Dark series. She is a member of National Association go Women Artists (NAWA), Lighthouse ArtCenter, Cultural Council of Palm Beach County, and Artists of Palm Beach County.

For coverage of your events, to place an advertisement, or speak to Rickie about appearing in The Rickie Report, contact:

Rickie Leiter, Publisher

Rickie@therickiereport.com   561-537-0291

17019 SW Sapri Way   Port St. Lucie, FL 34986

Artists of Palm Beach County announces two free Saturday events at the Art on Park Gallery plus a Call To Emerging Artists.  On Saturday, May 9th, Norman Berman will present “The Metamorphosis of a Painting” with slides and discussion.  On Saturday, May 16th, Jeff Lucas will present “Improve My Art – Critique Session, Everyone is a Critic!” Participants are invited to bring up to three pieces of art and receive constructive feedback in a friendly atmosphere.  The Rickie Report shares the details and urges EMERGING ARTISTS of 2D and 3D work to apply for the next Exhibit (Deadline is May 13th)!  We want to remind ART LOVERS that this Gallery is a treasure trove of hand crafted glass, watercolors, original collages, hand crafted jewelry, original photography, oil paintings and acrylic paintings  as well as pastels. Many of the artists calling Art on Park “home” sell nationally and internationally. Stop by! “Florida The Beautiful, 2015″ runs until May 16th.

ARTISTS OF PALM BEACH COUNTY

INVITES EVERYONE

MAY EVENTS:

Art on Park Gallery

800 Park Ave.        Lake Park FL 33403

561-345-2842

Gallery Hours: Monday to Saturday, 12 to 6 PM

FLORIDA THE BEAUTIFUL 2015

An exhibit to showcase the Environmental Beauty of Florida to benefit the Sierra Club Loxahatchee Group.  15% of sales will be donated.

Exhibit Runs Until May 16, 2015

“Metamorphosis Of A Painting”

With Norman Berman

Saturday, May 9th

2 – 4 pm

On Saturday, May 9th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm the Artists of Palm Beach County (APBC) is proud to present a talk and slide presentation by award winning artist and executive board member, Norman Berman. The event entitled “The Metamorphosis of a Painting” will take place at the Art on Park Gallery, 800 Park Avenue, Lake Park, Florida.

Norman has been a member of APBC for over 4 years and has exhibited widely in Palm Beach County. In November of 2013 his “One-Man Show” at the Armory Art Center in West Palm Beach was met with much acclaim. A retired New York City teacher and supervisor/administrator, Norman exhibited in the New York City area before his move to Florida in 2003. His talk will describe how he creates a painting from start to finish and will be supplemented with a series of slides showing the progress of his work.  Norman will be exhibiting at a SOLO show at the Weisman Center, Delray Beach at the end of May.

“Improve My Art – Critique  Session

Everyone is a Critic!”

With Jeff Lucas

Saturday, May 16th

1 – 3 pm

On Saturday, May 16 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm Art on Park Gallery resident artist, Jeff Lucas, will present “Improve My Art – Critique Session, Everyone is a Critic!” Participants are invited to bring up to three pieces of art and receive constructive feedback in a friendly atmosphere. Jeff will guide the discussion as the group reviews each piece and learns more about how to look at one’s art with fresh eyes. Jeff, who has taught watercolor classes in the past, is best known for his exquisite watercolors, which can be seen in the gallery.

UPCOMING EXHIBITS:

Emerging Artists 2015

An exhibit to showcase the talent of emerging artists in Palm Beach County, Florida
An exhibition of 2D and 3D works

May 20 to June 27, 2015

Public Opening Reception:

Friday, May 22, 2015    5 – 8 pm

Everyone Welcome to:

After Party at The Brewhouse Gallery
starting at 8pm
720 Park Ave, Lake Park

Submission deadline:
Wednesday, May 13, 2015

To access the submission form go to:
http://www.artistsofpalmbeachcounty.org/eventdetail.php?266

For More Information please visit:

APBC Art on Park Gallery
800 Park Avenue, Lake Park FL 33403
561-345-2842
http://www.artistsofpalmbeachcounty.com/

For coverage of your events, to place an advertisement, or speak to Rickie about appearing in The Rickie Report, contact:

Rickie Leiter, Publisher

The Rickie Report

P.O.Box 33423

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420

Rickie@therickiereport.com

561-537-0291

Fashion jewelry designer Debbie Lee Mostel is back with “Pearls of Wisdom” and the “Liberty Line”.  She most recently had a productive journey through the art world creating large scale, award-winning paintings, sculptures, and contemporary fine art.  Assemblage artist, Debbie Lee Ridge comes full circle back into jewelry design with a force and a new brand presence: Debbie Lee Mostel. Her comeback lines, “Pearls of Wisdom” and “Liberty Line”, heralds the Strength of Women and is the conceptual soul of Debbie Lee Mostel’s bold new work.  The Rickie Report shares some of Debbie’s new designs and where her creations can be found.  In addition, Debbie’s Kinetic Sculptures will be showing!  Don’t miss her take on “global issues”.

DEBBIE MOSTEL’s

“Pearls of Wisdom”    “Liberty Line”

Global Kinetic Sculptures

JEWELRY EVENT

Friday, December 19  11 am – 7pm

Rolando Chang Barrero Fine Art

 711 Lucerne Avenue       Lake Worth, Florida 33460

786-521-1199

Fridays through Wednesdays 11a.m.-7 p.m.   Closed on Thursdays

GLOBAL KINETIC SCULPTURE

Lobby

Opening Reception:  December 19th

Cultural Council of Palm Beach County

601 Lake Avenue     Lake Worth, FL 

Free and Open to the Public

Courage and confidence, striking design and simplicity of materials give Debbie Mostel’s jewelry an eternal quality she has long been noted for. Silver and gold, glass rods and globes and yes, intricate pieces from computer parts create sensual, organic, statement-making pop-art jewelry designed with the future in mind.

Debbie Mostel’s Cuffs

Debbie Lee Mostel, BFA California College of the Arts and Pratt Institute in New York, was trained by master goldsmith, Ellen Broker, and master silversmith, Hans Christensen, of Copenhagen, Denmark. Early in her career, after a stint with Tiffany’s, Mostel formed her own company. Her work in the wholesale jewelry business brought her acclaim when her designs were carried by Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, Macy’s, Henri Bendel and Saks Fifth Ave.  Debbie’s jewelry was also seen in Richard Avedon’s fashion photographs.

Featured in dozens of magazines, Mostel’s work has depth and credibility. Her jewelry was photographed on top models such as Becky Johnson and has graced the cover of Vogue,Glamour, Bazzar, and the inside pages of the New Yorker Magazine, LA Magazine, the New York Times, Women’s Wear Daily, just to name a few.

Mostel’s work has been compared with illustrious designer Robert Lee Morris who came up during the same era as Mostel. Both designers have been influenced by the forms they find in nature and their interest in sculpting. Both love the feel and look of silver and perhaps one difference may be in the stunning simplicity of Mostel’s designs.

“Joyful Universe” will be on display at the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County from Dec 16th–Feb 10th.  Debbie tells The Rickie Report, ” Upon creating this piece what occurs to me most profoundly is the beautiful planet we live on. Even with its changing political boundaries, ecological uncertainty, and polluted waterways our planet is a miracle in our Universe. I am A Science based thinker/Designer/artist who sees the blessings and wonders in every drop of water and behind every blade of grass. I don’t mean to get too sappy, but I do feel passionately connected to our Earth. Sadly, too many humans today are just out of touch with their home​.”

To see a video of Debbie’s “Lizard Globe” Click here.  The piece is exhibited at Rolando Chang Barrero Fine Art.

debbiesingle globe video

Mostel’s national recognition is underscored by artist and writer, Bruce Helander who has supported her rise up the ladder. “Mostel takes the viewer on an anything goes journey” says Helander of her work. The Norton Museum of Art has featured Debbie Lee in their Art after Dark series. She is a member of the Artists of Palm Beach County, National Association of Women Artists (NAWA),Boca Museum’s Artist Guild, Lighthouse ArtCenter and Cultural Council of Palm Beach County.

To see another Kinetic Sculpture by Debbie Please Click Here:

debbiemostelIMG_2501

Debbie’s “Globe Art” will be highlighted at the upcoming International Kinetic Art Exhibit and Symposium in Boynton Beach from February 6-8.

For more information on the 2015 International Kinetic Art Exhibit and Symposium, call (561) 742-6026, email ColesDobayd@bbfl.us or visit www.IntlKineticArtEvent.org.

JURIED SHOWS & AWARDS

Present Global Art Gallery, W.P.B.- SOLO Show- (2010)
Lighthouse ArtCenter -Landscape Show -Best in Show (2011)
Norton Museum of Art-Art after Dark-guest artist-Demo (2011)
Lighthouse ArtCenter -Contempo Show-Best in Show (2012)
City of Palm Beach Gardens -SOLO Show- (2013)
Activist Artista Gallery -Symbolism-(2012)
Red Dot Fair-Miami (2012)
S.E.Fine Arts Exibit-N.W. FL.State College, Niceville (2012)
Linus Gallery-Fantasy-Pasadena CA. (2012)
Artists of Palm Beach County – 5 shows and continuing
Rossetti Gallery -Summer Heat IV- Second Place (2013)
Palm Beach Fine Craft Show -West Palm Beach,FL.(2013)
East End Arts -“H20” -Riverhead, New York (2013)
Riverside Arts Center -“Map-it”-, Ysplianti, MI.(2013)
Lighthouse ArtCenter- “Mother Ocean”-, Tequesta, Fl.(2013)
NAWA(National Association of Women Artists) “Women of NAWA Exposed” & “Introspections”(2013), Truth and Beauty (2012)more….
Rosetti Gallery- “Heat IV”- Wilton Manor, Fl -2nd Place (2013)
Kimble Art Center “Nature Underwater” Hobe Sound, Fl(2013)
Barrett Jackson Car Show -West Palm Beach (2013)
Lighthouse ArtCenter-D’Art for Art -Best In Show (2013)
Bruce Helander’s Spotlight on Talent-Lighthouse ArtCenter – Mr. Helander said “ Debbie you stole the show but because of conflict of interest (he was the curator at my representing gallery, Arthouse 429) I could not give you an award.” (2013)
Arthouse 429 Fall Show- (2013)
Art Loft- West Palm-Memories of Home- First Place- (2014)                                             Artigras-Jupiter FL(2013)                                                                                                                Lighthouse ArtCenter-Art of Association-First Place-2014                                                            The Artist Guild (Boca Museum)-Honorable Mention -2014                                                 Mandel JCC- Palm Beach Gardens, FL SOLO show -Liberty -Oct 2014                                  Cultural Council of Palm Beach County-Lake Worth,FL -Kinetic Art-Dec 2014 International Kinetic Art Show -Boynton Beach, FL -2015

For more information please visit:
www.debbieleemostel.com

or  debbiemostel@gmail.com

or call Debbie Lee Mostel  561-779-0030

For coverage of your events, to place an advertisement, or speak to Rickie about appearing in The Rickie Report, contact The Rickie Report at:

Rickie Leiter, Publisher

The Rickie Report

P.O.Box 33423

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420

Rickie@therickiereport.com

561-537-0291

Describing someone’s artwork is a sensitive matter. While The Rickie Report is not acting as critic, asking an artist to share themselves with our readers takes trust.  We started to share Debbie Mostel’s story in a previous post when she was inducted into NAWA (National Association of Women Artists) in New York City and announced that she would be showing at Red Dot in Miami soon after. The depth of Debbie’s personality and her artwork call for this extended interview.  Debbie’s work will be shown at Solo Exhibition at the Palm Beach Gardens City Hall and again in March at the Palm Beach Fine Craft Show.  Here, she shares her advice to artists and art lovers about maneuvering your way through sizable shows; some tips for artists to network; and some insights into her larger-than-life pieces.

Globe : “Baja Bound”

Most of Debbie’s work has interactive qualities such as spinning VCR motors, trap doors,wind-up toys and even a pair of Slinky’s!   Tom Shadyac, director of Jim Carey movies and more recently the revered film “I Am”, was presented one of Debbie’s Globes as an appreciation for the message that both director and artist hold in getting the message that “we are all connected”.  Debbie has been a guest demonstrator at the Norton Museum’s Art After Dark, a Best of Show winner twice at the Lighthouse ArtCenter and has numerous newspaper articles written about her. She is a member of the Artists of Palm Beach County

TRR: Tell our readers about your experience as an exhibitor at Red Dot in Miami.

DM:  The experience was awesome and I was extremely proud to be part of the show.

Hindu Tornadic Activity

TRR: What suggestions would you give an artist who has not done such a large show before?

DM:  First, you should scope out each show. Do your homework – this is a business, like any other business trade show.  I believe in “Go Large Or Go Home”.  Let me explain: Once you figure out what show is the best show for YOU, put everything you have into  making it successful.  Don’t skimp or try to cut corners to try to save money.  This isn’t necessarily about selling, though if you do, that is a nice perk.

Once you are committed to a show, you must put in your best work.  Create and print a full catalog.  Invest in good lighting and good quality signage.  I actually added more signage once I arrived at Red Dot and saw what other artists had in addition to what I had already planned.

During the show, have a seat.  Art show-goers don’t like to be followed around in your booth.  Let them know that if they have questions, you are there to help them.  Remember your business cards and postcards!   You have to have the right attitude and stay positive.  You are spending 6 days and long hours to promote your art!  Be professional!

Feeling the Squeeze

TRR: What about after the show?

DM:  You MUST follow up with the people who signed your guest book, with other artists you networked with during the show, and gallery owners who stopped by.  This is a lot of WORK!   This year, there were over 27 shows including Red Dot, Art Miami, and Art Basel.  I felt that Red Dot seemed to focus on emerging artists.  In looking at the statistics from 2011, the number of shows has grown. I would expect 2013 to continue to grow annually.  That offers a lot of opportunities to a lot more artists.

TRR: Any advice for the show attendees?

DM:  For art lovers and buyers, you have to pace yourselves because the sheer amount of art work can be overwhelming.  You really need to plan on more than just one day and you still will not see it all!  To avoid having your eyes glaze over from seeing too much art, book a hotel.  Take a break.  Each show has different fees.  Personally, I believe it is hardest for the Gallery owners and Buyers.  They have to look at everything in consideration for their collectors and clients.

Tower of Youth

TRR:  When we first met, you were anxious to show me a science-related article.  What types of materials do you enjoy reading?

DM:  I will read anything that has to do with science.  I always read the New York Times, Scientific American and I think that Smithsonian Magazine is the best out there.  National Geographic has engrossing articles, but I also watch a lot of television!  Again, anything science-related, so obviously NOVA, PBS, Science Channel.

I have always been fascinated with how things are made and where something comes from. I enjoy visually stimulating shows like “Orangutan Island”,  underwater series, “Oddities”.  I never know when an idea will spark and where it will lead me!

New Monarchy

TRR:  Do you ever relax?

DM:  I actually relax when I am playing golf!  I just love how beautiful nature is.  I can really take it all in when I walk my dog before sunset.  My background in landscape design has given me a better appreciation for some of the Audubon areas in Palm Beach County.

TRR: Does your son share your artistic  interests?

DM: Not really.  He loves music and plays drums in a local band, Abolish Oasis.  He wants to go to college to pursue a career in the music business.

Trilobite Surfing

TRR: What inspires you to create such a breadth of artwork?

 DM: Everything!  Really.  I can be staring a gym ceiling and an idea for a new piece of artwork will pop into my head.  We have to remember why we are artists.  We can tune into the minutia of the every-day and go and create art. The synapses in my brain flip all the time!

Mind Reader

To see Debbie’s artwork, the public is invited to a reception at Palm Beach Gardens City Hall Lobby on January 18 from 6 – 8 pm.  The building is located at 10500 North Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens 33410.  Her SOLO exhibit is called “Technology Deconstructed-Nature Reconstructed”.  The exhibit continues through February 21st.  City Hall is open from 8 am – 5 pm Monday through Friday.

Debbie will also be at the 2013 Palm Beach Fine Craft Show from March 1st – 3rd, which takes place at the Palm Beach County Convention Center 650 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach.  The Palm Beach Fine Crafts Show is professionally juried to ensure the highest level of excellence and originality in the work presented. Every piece is designed and made in artists’ studios across the U.S. www.PalmBeahFineCraftShow.com  For more details about Debbie’s work contact: 561-779-0030 or go to:www.debbieleemostel.com

For coverage of your events, to place an advertisement, or speak to Rickie about appearing in The Rickie Report, contact The Rickie Report at:

Rickie Leiter, Publisher

The Rickie Report

P.O.Box 33423

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420

Rickie@therickiereport.com

561-537-0291