​As I work on my various art projects, I am sometimes drawn away from my easel, distracted by the tempestuous news of threats and impending horrors. I am concerned about the bitterness and betrayals, contradictions and confusion; I worry about the loss of voice and the loss of rights. I am struck by how two ordinary people looking at the same picture can interpret it in radically different ways.  I am saddened how families are divided by vehement opinion.

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No, my art does not provide refuge from the turmoil.  I do not go to my art to hide or to seek solace.  Although my artwork is not overtly political, it does stand for the things I believe in; I believe in the pursuit of peace, I believe in mercy and forgiveness; I believe in the rights of a person and a community to voice a truth; I believe that we each have the right to live safely; I believe we must protect our earth from wanton destruction; I believe in the human spirit is more alive when it stretches to the further reaches of the universe. I believe in love – I believe love is irrational and strong and wise and complex and simple, more powerful then can be explained.

​In the spirit of love I create, and in the spirit of love  I take a stand.  Sometimes that means I will take my Peace sign and walk where I am mocked, both for saying too much and not saying enough.  But I will stand, and I will speak.  I have scissors, and I am not afraid to wield them.

When you are in Santa Fe, you may find me hard at work in my studio.  I will be doing a demo of my work at the Artisan Market in the Railyard, this Sunday, January 29, 10 am to 4 pm.  (Espresso most welcome!) I will be taking a break from the Market for one week so I can go to San Antonio and check out the art scene there. My visit will include seeing some family, hiking, and lots of good food!

I will be back in Santa Fe and the Market in time to celebrate Lincoln's Birthday.  See me there on Sunday, February 12 .  I will be bringing the Lincoln portrait  - and candy hearts...in the Spirit of Love!


Love and Peace,


Deco

​Winters in Santa Fe are truly beautiful.
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I walk in the morning before dawn. The eastern sky above the mountains is streaked with rose and gold, lending a soft radiance to the hills and the streets.  Snow and ice cling to every branch of my cherry tree, and hoarfrost adds sparkle to the sage.  This morning, the northern sky was heavy with steely clouds, while the southern sky was bright pink, from east to west.

 The holidays have passed, and we are enjoying a few weeks of quietness.  These are days to linger over coffee in the morning, savor tea in the afternoon, and mellow with mulled wine in the evening.  Every day is a good day to enjoy the warmth and fragrance of a pinon fire.

Santa Fe has four art movie houses, a lot for a town this size, and plenty of theaters for mainstream movies. I recently caught a new documentary about Toshiro Mifune; he's my latest fave rave. I recently rewatched Yojimbo; treat yourself to this delight.

​The beginning of a new year inspires me to plan and create; I am eager to get back to the easel.  Yesterday, I visited clients to plan a commissioned piece for their home in Santa Fe. I will create a mosaic composed of unusual materials for a specific room.  The setting sun made the Sangre de Christos ruddy; snowcapped Mount Baldy was framed by the arched window of their porte cochere, as we saluted the venture with glasses of Gruet – a wonderful way to launch a project. What is the subject of this project? I will provide a peek at it as I work on it.

​The Sunday Market in the Santa Fe Railyard reopens on Sunday, and I will be there.  I will be picking up as I left off, working on my Coral Reef series. As always, I will be demonstrating my technique, and offering the sale of prints and original work.
Come to the Market and enjoy some espresso and live music. I would love to see you and I know you will enjoy it.  Look for the offerings of my fellow artisans: fabulous jewelry, sumptuous weavings, stunning leather work, and much more.

​And if you are coming to town to enjoy our winter snowscapes, let me know – we’ll share a cup of wine.