Vale Debbie Sheezel (updated)
It is with the utmost sadness that the GSGA advises all of the passing of our beloved member (#60), teacher and friend. Debbie’s life of creativity, love, care and generosity was abruptly ended after a period of declining health on September 28.
As a master enamellist and jeweller, Debbie created a diverse range of beautiful pieces throughout her career using the cloisonne’ technique, precious metals and precious gems of all types.
Debbie’s virtuosic displays of colour, composition and form will be enjoyed for generations – with her large scale Daintree panel series at Brisbane airport the largest and most easily accessible – and her wearable artworks in the possession of many many collectors around the globe.
The GSGA shares with many groups around the world our appreciation for Debbie’s kindness and generosity in passing on her extensive knowledge – nurturing and mentoring developing artists and enamellists at all stages of their creative journeys.
On behalf of all within the Guild and the jewellery/enamelling communities we thank Debbie’s family for sharing this precious person with us all, and wish to convey our sincere condolences, gratitude and grief at her passing.
Debbie was an active member of the Council of the Gold and Silversmith’s Guild of Australia, and a recent recipient of the Tony Kean Award for her services to the Jewellery community in Australia. Debbie was awarded the Outright Winner of the Australian Jewellery Design Awards in 2019.
Internationally, Debbie won the “Saul Bell Award for Enamel” in 2016, was Invited to judge in 2017 , and was awarded the “Best Of Show 2019″. Debbie was an active contributor to enamelling forums around the world, and we share with the global community the sadness that marks the end of her creative contributions in this revered medium. Her enthusiasm and desire to keep learning and expressing her ideas meant that Debbie’s best works were still to come.
Expressions of Condolence have been conveyed from around the world.
please use the following links to learn more of Debbie’s life work from external sources….
2019 Saul Bell Design Award (SBDA) Best of Show interview
