Interview: Allison DeBritz
Allison DeBritz is an artist and educator whose work intimately considers the gendered paradigms of domestic spaces and relationships through an interdisciplinary feminist lens. She uses photography, collage, video, and installation as part of a ritualist process, engaging with the psychological narratives woven throughout her work. DeBritz holds an MFA in Art Photography from Syracuse University and a BFA in Photography from SUNY New Paltz. DeBritz has shown her work throughout the U.S. and internationally. She currently lives in Upstate New York and teaches college photography.
Read our interview with Allison below!
Untitled, Digital photographic collage, 2024
PP: Walk us through a typical day in your studio or generally through your process to make new work.
AD: I’m primarily a morning person, so I prioritize getting into the studio early. I always start by setting the mood with music—something that reflects my current mindset and motivates me. Lately, I’ve been working in collage, using found photobooks as my primary source material. I’m fortunate to have a space where I can leave work in progress, allowing me to seamlessly pick up where I left off. I spend considerable time reflecting on my art outside the studio, so when I do start working, I usually have several ideas ready to explore. It takes some time to get into a rhythm, but once I’m in it, I’m very focused and normally work in blocks of one to three hours. Even when I feel frustrated or tired, I push myself to complete one last piece, which often turns out to be the best. My creative process is largely intuitive, guided by my instincts and a deep connection to what feels right visually. I always leave the studio feeling excited about my progress and excited to return. Mt process also includes research outside of the studio. My research material is vast, spanning from non-fiction, podcasts, films, and current events.
he could make her fly from “your fingers have no muscles” series, Digital photographic collage, 2024
Untitled, Digital photographic collage, 2024
PP: What motivates you to make art?
AD: Creating art is a major part of who I am—it's something I’ve done my entire life, so in a way, it doesn’t feel like a choice. Without art, I wouldn’t be myself. My work is also fueled by my core values, especially around issues like reproductive freedom and feminism. I’m motivated to create pieces that offer people the space to engage with and reflect on these important topics.
PP: Who currently serves as a muse for your practice? (This can be anyone—fictional, real, alive, or deceased.)
AD: Lee Miller! I’ve been reading Art Monsters: Unruly Bodies in Feminist Art by Lauren Elkin, where I learned about Miller’s photograph of a severed breast from a radical mastectomy. The image was striking, and since then, I’ve been delving into her life and body of work. I’ve started incorporating her archive into my collages—this is still a new direction for me, so I’m not entirely sure where it’s headed, but Miller’s life and work have been incredibly inspiring.
Work in progress
PP: What would your dream project look like?
AD: A dream project for me would involve transforming a large space into an immersive installation. I work across various mediums, including photography, collage, video, and occasionally sculpture. Having space to experiment with these different forms would be incredible. I envision designing distinct rooms that fully immerse viewers in the art while exploring the core concepts behind my work. I’d love to use elements like pink carpets, painted walls, and small viewing nooks for my video pieces to create an intimate and intense experience.
PP: Who or what has had the most significant impact on your creative practice?
AD: My parents have played an enormous role in shaping my artistic journey. My mother is also an artist, so I grew up in an environment where creativity was consistently nurtured and encouraged. I have memories of plein air painting with my mom and siblings when I was in elementary school. Throughout my life, my parents have always supported and fostered my development as an artist.
To learn more about Allison’s work, see her Instagram and Website