Whispers of Life – How It All Started

Day 1

Why I Started Hummingbird Whispers
by Debra

Art has always been part of who I am. Growing up, my parents instilled in me a deep appreciation for the art world: its beauty, its stories, and its ability to connect people across time and place. That early foundation stayed with me, even as my life and career took many meaningful turns.

When I moved to Kansas City, Missouri, I found myself surrounded by vibrant museums and a thriving artistic community. As a mother of three, I wanted my children to experience that same sense of wonder I had felt. Visiting galleries, exploring exhibits, and simply being present in creative spaces became part of how I shared both art and life with them.

In my early years as an elementary teacher, I worked closely with the world of children’s literature. I was passionate about connecting students with authors and illustrators, helping them see that stories and images were created by real people with real inspiration. Through my relationships with independent bookstores like The Reading Reptile, I was able to bring those connections to life for my students and community.

My professional journey later took me across the United States, working with educators and advocating for literacy. After earning my doctorate from Saint Louis University, I moved into higher education as a professor and eventually served as an academic dean. These roles allowed me to influence learning on a broader scale, but the creative spark never left me.

Now, as Dean Emeritus and in this season of retirement, I have returned to painting: something that has always grounded and inspired me. Alongside this renewed artistic focus, I founded my consulting group, Magis Associates, continuing my commitment to education and growth.

Hummingbird Whispers was born from all my lived experiences. It reflects my lifelong love of art, my dedication to education, and my belief in the quiet, powerful moments that inspire us to create. Like the hummingbird: small yet vibrant, delicate yet strong. I see this work as a way to capture beauty, share meaning, and invite others to pause, reflect, and feel.

This is not just a return to art; it is a continuation of a life shaped by it.                                                                                            

Fondly,

Debra