Stand for Peace

Vene Sancte Spiritu

​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.

My Thoughts Be True, detail

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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.

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Performance, Los Angeles, 2014

Standing for Peace, Santa Fe, 2017

​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.

Work in Progress, 2016

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