MANKOTA — Deep in the heart of southwest Saskatchewan is Mankota. And this area of the Land of Living Skies is where you can find the folk art of Debbie McCrea.
Situated just a dozen kilometres from the village, on farmland, McCrea began creating art in 2016 as a pastime. It has since evolved into an artistic journey that is attracting attention across the Prairies and beyond.
McCrea turned to papier-mâché after experiencing vision problems that made it increasingly difficult to paint and sketch at night.
"I thought this is a waste of time just watching TV," McCrea said. "All of a sudden I thought, 'Papier-mâché! I'm going to try this.'"
After experimenting with various recipes, she eventually developed her own mixture and process. Each sculpture begins with a frame made from tightly rolled newspaper.
"I tape it really tight with masking tape and just kind of build a basic stick form," she explained. "Then I start crumpling newspaper and taping it until I get the body. When I first started, I used my paste and dipped newspaper strips into it. Then I started painting them. I would paint the eyes and everything. I didn't have as much detail then."
Her first creation was what she describes as a "comical old Shorthorn cow." The project sparked a passion that has continued to grow over the years.
As she developed her technique, McCrea introduced newspaper clippings into her sculptures, a decision that helped define her artistic style.
"People were always asking me what it was made of," she said. "They thought it was a plastic mould. That's when I got the idea to put newspaper clippings on it and do a wash over top so you could still see the clippings through it."
The addition of the clippings proved to be a turning point.
"It really seemed to attract a lot of attention," she said. "I can use certain topics or really personalize a piece if somebody commissions one. I can put in the name of a town, photos or even favourite sayings."
McCrea initially focused on animals such as bison, cougars and cattle, but she has since expanded into sculpting people as well.
Among her creations, horses and bison remain some of her most popular pieces.
"I've sold quite a few cows, too," she added.
A regular exhibitor at the Wild West Market in Mankota, McCrea has seen interest in her work continue to grow. She has participated in artists' retreats, hosted workshops and shared her techniques with aspiring artists throughout the region.
"I was at an artists' retreat in Assiniboia, so that was pretty cool," she said. "I also taught a papier-mâché class at the Artistic Creations Gallery in Gravelbourg."
She has also taught three classes at the school in Mankota and already has additional workshops booked this fall in Gravelbourg and at the Shurniak Art Gallery in Assiniboia.
As her reputation has grown, so too has the recognition for her work.
"The Art Gallery of Swift Current purchased one of my artworks," McCrea said. "It was based on a local cowboy from this area, or at least that's where the idea came from. It is now part of their permanent collection."
More recently, Sask Arts selected a pair of her sculptures for its permanent collection.
"Sask Arts got hold of me and they're going to be purchasing a couple of my sculptures for their permanent collection," she said.
Another milestone came when the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils (OSAC) selected some of her sculptures for a two-person travelling exhibition through its Arts on the Move program.
"The showcase will be in October in Saskatoon," McCrea said. "I don't know who the other artist will be or what the exhibition will be called yet, but the theme is horses."
Her sculptures have also found homes well beyond Saskatchewan, with pieces sold to collectors in Montana, British Columbia and Alberta.
Despite the growing demand for her work, the creative process remains firmly rooted on the Prairies, sometimes requiring unconventional drying methods.
"In the winter, I've been known to use the register," she said with a laugh. "In the summer, the sun works best."
The Saskatchewan sun helps more than crops grow on the Prairies. It also helps bring McCrea's distinctive papier-mâché sculptures to life from her rural studio near Mankota. Those interested in viewing her work can find it through her social media channels or by calling 306-478-7084.
