Remarkable women: Debbi Spranza-Jones

Every woman that steps in front of the camera has a story to tell. Stories of joy, heartbreak, failure, and accomplishment. These stories aren’t always captured in a single picture. In fact, most photographs leave you guessing. That’s why it’s hard for me to end the conversation once the camera is put away. Photographing people, particularly women, is a real privilege and I like to put a spotlight on the everyday women of the world who in my opinion are contributing something valuable to the world.

Debbi Spranza-Jones is an artist, a mom, a wife, a gardener and an experienced and brainy learning architect. She like spreadsheets and pencils, retro and modern, tattoos and thrift stores. She’s community and civic minded, curious and witty. Best of all, she’s kind and generous.

I spent an hour with her in the photography studio shooting creative portraits and chatting. I loved my time with her so much, I wanted to share

What hats (roles) do you wear every day?

I'm a Learning Architect (training director) by trade so teacher is a hat I wear most every day. The best way to learn something is to teach others. I stumbled into the training profession years ago after finding my passion in helping people to be the best at whatever an organization or individuals' goal might be. Currently my daughter is contracting with me as an e-learning developer to pay for college and so my life is filled with continuous learning.

What do think the world needs more of?

Empathy. If we can really try and understand where someone else is coming from and connect to them and their experience, I feel as if we would be a lot nicer to one other.

Whose work do you admire right now?

I'm a huge fan girl for Sandi Calistro. She has tattooed both of my arms and I have a chest and back piece planned. Sandi has many commissioned murals around Denver and was recently named Denver's top woman tattoo artist. What really drew me to her work is not only the beautiful women she illustrates but Sandi also mentors other women artists. She really shares her gift with everyone which I find admirable.

First thing you’d do if you won the lottery?

Pay off my mortgage and buy houses for my children.

Favorite thing to do when you are alone?

Over the past year I've started brewing Kombucha. I find brewing relaxing and bottling zen-like.

Last book you read?

Rebecca Traister's Good and Mad: The Revolutionary Power of Women's Anger. I think no matter your gender identify, this is an urgent read.

Wonder Woman or the Bionic Woman?

The Wonder Woman stance is my power pose. She has always been my hero and as a young woman I spent many days pretending my invisible jet was real and saving the world. I've met the first woman to ever draw Wonder Woman (Trina Robbins), I have the original series on DVD, and even have a gold belt I pretend is my Lasso of Truth.

Debbie is humble and didn’t mention her own work as an artist. Her mixed media art with a feminist vibe is thought provoking and fantastically unique. You can read more about Debbie here.