Teritorial Mask
bronze

Deacon's upbringing on a large Kansas wheat farm set the foundation for his life - his principles and perspective. It established a rhythm, forging an endurance for long days of hard work The young emerging sculptor hand-crafted his own toys. Farm animals whittled from wood or formed in clay displayed an early ability at rendering likeness. The process brought him enjoyment and the attention encouraged him to sculpt more creations.

In 1957, following his desire to be an artist, Deacon moved to Colorado, enrolling at Colorado State University as a Fine Arts major. Displaying a creative approach and technical skills, Deacon received special recognition from his professors.

A sculptor, painter and maker of masks, he has worked in traditional realism as well as technical and impressionistic styles. Though his subjects cover a broad range, a singular style is clear.

Deacon now works on six or seven sculptures a year, but may throw away as many as four, and send only two to the foundry. "My clients want the best, and I don't want to give them something second best." he attests. He preps each piece for patina by buffing the entire surface, allowing him to examine it a second time to assure it's quality and integrity. When satisfied with the results, Deacon consults with his wife, Jodi, who applies the patina according to the color Deacon envisions for that piece.

The sculptures represented here are classed as stylized design. "Each animal has developed special traits for survival, which is what makes them identifiable or memorable. I try to give the viewer and myself more satisfaction by over-expressing that particular trait," he explains. "That's where I begin the stylization and reshaping of the anatomy." - for example, accentuating a fox's bushy tail, or elongating a horse's graceful neck. The palette or patina is multi-layered for depth and applied with an impressionistic approach to complement the line and design of the work.

Deacon intents in his sculpture an enhancement that will evoke a sense of participation in the viewer based on their unique and particular experiences. Your direct interaction with his art, based on your memories and sensations, is the primary experience Deacon seeks.

Deacon's collectors are distributed throughout the United States, as well as internationally.