Growing spring

"New Year Dawn" Original Collage by Deco

​Spring is here and the restrictions imposed by the pandemic are easing, and my world is opening up – I am out exploring, and in… expanding my vision and my reach.

Road Trip

​In the middle of April, I did a short road trip to El Malpais National Monument in western New Mexico. The name means “badlands” and refers to a vast area of volcanic land created tens of thousands of years ago, considered inhospitable to many people for centuries.   Nowadays, we appreciate the geology and the flora and the fauna.  I arrived early on a frosty morning, the first to park at the trailhead.  I started my hike by following a portion of the Continental Divide Trail through the verdant lava fields.  I was fascinated by the evidence of elk; their hoof prints were huge and deep – the size of my hiking boots and making 3 times the impression in the soft mud.  The soil reminded me of the red mud of Maui. I climbed the cinder cone and explored the lava trenches; I did not encounter any people until my return to the trailhead; mostly ornithologists, it appeared.

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Two Exhibitions

​As Santa Fe begins to open post-pandemic, I have been expanding my activities.  I am pleased to have been accepted in two upcoming shows.  The first is in Norfolk VA, Merged II, an exhibition of collage and assemblage.  The piece they accepted was “Hear the Echoes”, the Original Collage commissioned by the State of New Mexico a few years ago to honor the poets of the state.  This exhibition will be live and in person – I shipped the framed collage this week. The Gallery is D'Art Center, 740 Boush St., Norfolk, VA 23510.  The Opening Reception is on Thursday, May 6, 5:30-7:30 pm, and it runs until May 23, 2021. I encourage my friends on the East Coast to check it out and take photos!

"Hear the Echoes" Original Collage by Deco

"All there in...(black and white)" Original Collage by Deco

​The second show is based in California, but has an on-line exhibition component, so everyone will be able to view the art.  The exhibition is Purely Abstract, a Group Exhibition, and is presented by Las Laguna Art Gallery, 577 S. Coast Highway A-1, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. The exhibition includes all media; this is the first time I have had my paper mosaics accepted into an all-abstract exhibition.  They selected an Original Collage from my Coral Reef series, which I titled “All there in… (black and white)”. The show opens on May 6, and runs until May 29, 2021.

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What's coming up

​I continue to submit my work to national and international shows, and I look forward to the possibilities locally too.  Meanwhile, the sale that I am featuring in my three Etsy shops is coming to an end soon. I offer a 20% discount on the purchase of any 2 items, and the sale ends on May 7.  You will find items to please a Mom, a grad, as well as confirmation candidates.  Take a look; enjoy!

Relish this beautiful spring wherever you are.

Love and Peace, 

Deco