A painting depicting a woman with long, curly hair in prayer, with closed eyes and hands clasped, surrounded by abstract colorful clouds and a horse's head in the background.

Awards & Recognition

Recognition is never the reason I create art, but it is an honour when the themes that matter most to me resonate with others.

My work explores the spiritual connection between humans and animals through light, symbolism, and quiet moments of trust. The paintings below have been recognised through international awards, publications, and curated exhibitions.

2026

Longlisted VAA Artist of the Year 2026

Longlisted VAA 100 2026

100 Emerging Artworks of 2026

Arts to Hearts Project

Selected for inclusion in the international publication 100 Emerging Artworks of 2026.

Selected artworks:

  • The First Ascent

  • The Eyes of the Messenger

  • Before Words

The publication showcases one hundred selected artworks by emerging artists from around the world and celebrates diverse contemporary artistic voices.

Women Artist Award 2026

Arts to Hearts Project

Selected Artist.

Selected for inclusion in the international publication Woman Artist on the Rise 4th Edition 2026.

The First Ascent was chosen for inclusion in the Women Artist Award 2026 collection, recognising women artists whose work demonstrates artistic excellence and a distinctive creative voice.

Exhibitions & Publications

Galerie Le Chien d'Or Exhibition

Artboxy

Selected for international exhibition at Galerie Le Chien d'Or.

Women Artists Association Network

Featured artist profile and published interview discussing the inspiration, symbolism, and philosophy behind God's Rope. Read Interview here ➡️

Artist Statement

Through my paintings, I explore the belief that animals are sacred messengers whose presence can guide, comfort, and transform us. Using light, atmosphere, and symbolic imagery, I create works that reflect themes of trust, connection, remembrance, and belonging.

Each painting forms part of The Golden Threads, an evolving body of work exploring the unseen connections between humans, animals, ancestry and cultural traditions. Its autobiographical first chapter, God’s Rope, is inspired by a lifetime of encounters with animals and the lessons they offer about compassion, loyalty and love.

Four fantasy-style paintings featuring women and animals: a woman with a white horse in background, a woman with curly red hair and a fox, a resting dog with closed eyes, and a woman with long red hair standing with a white horse surrounded by clouds.
The First Ascent by Debbie Moylan, a symbolic oil painting of a woman and white horse exploring trust, spiritual connection, and guidance. Selected for the Women Artist Award 2026.
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