Curriculum Vitae
Debra O'Regan
I was born and raised in Bundaberg, Queensland, one of twelve children to a white father and an indigenous mother.
What artistic flair I possess was inherited from my mother, who possessed a unique ability to transform the simplest of nature’s offerings, such as a piece of driftwood or seashell, into a thing of beauty. I began drawing as a child with very limited resources, and beyond watching and attempting to imitate my mother, I have no artistic training. In other words I am completely self-taught and have developed my skills through simple trial and error.
In early adulthood I discovered tapestry, an endeavour I derived great pleasure and satisfaction from for several years. Later in life I turned my hand to writing and published my autobiography in 2015. At the same time I re-discovered my passion for drawing and produced a number of paintings, one of which features on the cover of my book.
I moved to Tasmania with my husband and two daughters over 20 years ago, and apart from a brief return to Queensland 15 years ago, we have lived in the Launceston area ever since.