ARTIST’S STATEMENT

For this introductory exhibition at Textures, I have chosen to show works that reflect two directions my work has taken over the last decade. While the use of chair and animal images may at first seem “at odds,” they are connected in purpose and design.

CHAIRS

It is a simple fact that chairs as objects have been a constant presence in all of our lives. Ever-present from youth until final aging, they are witness to the events of our lives. ‘they also can have a beautiful formal structure (like our bodies) that offers function. It is both this form and function that interests me as a metaphor for ourselves as human beings.

With what history has the owner/sitter imbued the chair? What of our “selves” have we left with these objects after we have used them? Which aspects of our humanness can he revealed in a chairs distortions? To what events has the chair been witness?

ANIMAL TOYS

I also have found a strong identification with certain “found object” toys which once again, like the chairs seem to speak of our humanity. I have combined what I have sensed of their history with specific events, attitudes and beliefs that comprise my personal history and my life with art.

Particular among these are the frogs, butterflies and the smaller more vulnerable of beings represented by these toys. The toys themselves are often flawed in their manufacture and they might be deemed of no real use because of this. Through the work, I give them a new life.

I use these objects as reminders of our constant search for balance and survival in a most chaotic world.

ABBREVIATED BIO

Master of Fine Arts. Ohio State University-Columbus. Painting
Master of Arts. University of Dallas, Texas, Painting and Printmaking
Bachelor of Fine Arts. University of Wisconsin

A new resident of Asheville. Dean retired as Professor of Painting from the University of Minnesota in 2004. He has also held teaching positions at Ohio State, Drake University, Minneapolis College of Art and Design and has taught on programs in Italy, Hungary and England.

He has been exhibiting nationally and internationally since 1965 and has received residency fellowships to Skowhegan, MacDowell Colony, The Vermont Studio and Hambidge Center.