Summer Flies—Flaming Pies

Carina - Original Collage by Deco (Detail.) Now available on Etsy at StarArtByDeco

The summer is flying by!

​Hard to believe that four months have passed since we received the admonition to “flatten the curve” to contain and slow down the spread of the COVID-19.  We were assured that the “stay at home” order would last “at least” two weeks. What a long stretch 14 days seemed back then. Well.  A lot has happened since then.  We have learned the beauty of video chatting, spending more time in our backyards tending gardens, and to listen to voices we may not have heard clearly before. Our fight against the spread of the virus has not been successful (yet) and doing one’s part to protect others is now the symbol of a political divide.  Some members of my family live their lives as though apocalyptic insurrection was immanent; others simply fear for their fragile health.  As for me, I wear a mask when I go out, and I limit my activities away from home. I want my community to be safe and healthy—and I want the same for everyone’s community.

Walking the Labyrinth at dawn on the Solstice

​I do get out for walks, usually before the heat of the day and along the Santa Fe River or the dry arroyos or labyrinths (bemasked, of course). At home, I am working on my art – the current Coral Reef collage is growing and growing.  I tend the online outlets where I can market my work – the two Etsy shops DECOfineartcollage and StarArtbyDeco.  My customers often send lovely messages to me.  Here’s a response from a recent customer:

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Aspens in the Foothills - available as an Art Print on Etsy at DECOfineartcollage

​"Your work is inspiring especially during these challenging times. Bursting with color and originality, your pieces are a beacon of light toward a better future. Art and music enrich the soul and our souls are very thirsty right now. I look forward to shopping again for an original collage."

That is a gratifying thought.  Thank you!

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Real Pies and Flaming Pie

​I'm proud to take action in supporting civic responsibility and hope.  I am participating in an upcoming fundraiser for the group My Block My Hood My City Chicago on July 26th. Some of my friends from the Chicago Fest for Beatles Fans and I are coming together to make this happen.  In celebration of the July 31st reissue of Paul McCartney's beloved 1997 album 'Flaming Pie', Rock-N-Pies At The Wolf's Den presents the in a livestream performance by Elementary Penguins, winners of the 2018 Fest for Beatles Fans Battle of the Bands.  They will perform the entire Flaming Pie Album (plus bonus tracks); my friends and I are going to perform (as the Troika) in between musical sets, presenting a dramatic reading of John Lennon’s tale of the naming of “The Beatles”. 

A good retelling of the tale of Flaming Pie can be found in my friend Mark Lewisohn’s tome The Beatles: All These Years - Volume 1: TUNE IN (page 423). Learn more at  Mark Lewisohn's Official Website.

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This Rock-n-Pies fundraiser event also has a raffle with prizes like professionally-baked cakes and tons of handmade PIES, plus a myriad of Beatles collector’s items. I am donating an Original Collage as a raffle prize. Titled “Its Only Love,” it is created out of images and words snipped from a Beatles merchandise catalog. It will be mailed directly to the winner. ​
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"It's Only Love" Original Collage by Deco. Raffle Priize for Rock-in-Pies Fundraiser

"It's Only Love" by Deco (Detail)

But you do not need to wait to buy a raffle ticket – you can purchase one now!  More info can be found on the Facebook event page. All proceeds go to My Block My Hood My City Chicago.
 
My Block, My Hood, My City provides underprivileged youth with an awareness of the world and opportunities beyond their neighborhood.  They take students on explorations focused on STEM, arts and culture, citizenry and volunteerism, health, community development, culinary arts, and entrepreneurism. Their core values are:  Interconnectivity, Empathy, Hope, Civic Responsibility.

Love is worth the risk.
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Be Bold.


Love and Peace,

Deco

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Shout out to my friend Leslie Cavendish!
Congratulations on publishing your new edition of The Cutting Edge: The Story of the Beatles’ Hairdresser Who Defined an Era.  Learn more at https://www.beatleshairdresser.com/