Only a few left!

Hello! 

It's been a busy six months.  

Almost all of the 42 artworks in memory project have gone to a new home!  

I still have a few pieces left (and a few others I'm tossing in to the mix), so...if you are interested in checking them out, message me on Facebook and state your interest in the project.

Gone to new homes...

THE B(ART)ER PROJECT: Free Art!

How Come Shelley Is Giving Away Her Artwork?  For STORIES?

After a war with CANCER that lasted over a decade, my dad - Jerry Deck - passed away the morning of Tuesday, July 7, 2011.

As part of my healing from this loss, I decided to get my art therapy groove on, mourn creatively and honor his memory simultaneously.

Dad at work...

Having this man as my father made my decision to become the best artist and arts educator I could an easy one. For as long as I can remember, he always had a creative project of some sorts on the go and he wasn't shy about sharing what he learned. Making beautiful things that lasted, or restoring old things to next to new stature, was something he excelled at during his life.

He always kept a few extra coffee cups by the thermos in his garage workshop ready for visitors too. Friends would often drop by to see what he was working on - or get help with projects of their own - and grab a cup of coffee with him. Collaboration and spirited co-BLAB-eration would often follow. He had many friends and was the kind of man who was really handy to have around if something - most anything - broke. He built cupboards, houses, full sized open cockpit bi-planes, urns, sawmills...the list goes on. He loved to restore cars, boats, tractors (especially anything John Deere) and so much more!

Words commonly used to describe him: Knowledgeable. Tenacious. Creative. Hard Working.

He taught me the importance of doing what you love and doing what you love with as much personal excellence as possible. Dad often reminded me that I am in competition with myself (first and foremost) and that a good old fashioned hard work and commitment often bring the best kind of 'success.'

Me and Dad

Now, I’m offering the 42 original artworks posted in THE B(ART)ER PROJECT as exchange tender for people whose actions embody the creative spirit of my dad. HOW were YOU knowledgeable, tenacious, creative or hard working? How do/did YOU use these skills to help someone else? Even if all you have to barter with is A STORY about actions already paid forward, tell me about it...in 888 words or less, please.

I also DO NOT want any age, race, creed, location or income bracket to excluded anyone from participating in this project, so...THAT is how come you can get some art to beautify your living/working spaces for FREE too!

How I Hope This Works:

• I have posted several original artworks on my website (CLICK HERE TO SEE THE WORK AVAILABLE FOR BARTER). All are unframed. Media varies. Sizes vary. Some were left over commission proposals. Some were cosmic forces restoration efforts. Some just couldn't be parted with - at least until now.
• Guests to this site are asked to look at the portfolio currently available. If you see anything you like, contact me via shelley@shelleydeck.com and state your interest. From there, the b(art)er begins!
• Each barter/exchange will be as unique as the purchaser/artwork/communication/individuals. Barters that increase karma/help others are encouraged and preferred. I do not want this project to be about money or exclusivity. I would rather sell 100 artwork for $1.99 each at the corner store than one for $10,000 in an exclusive gallery.
• Results of each exchange will be posted on this blog. NO exceptions.
• As part of the negotiations for possession, we will collectively decide how the artwork will get shipped to you. Maybe you will pay shipping & handling, maybe I will...or maybe a friend of a friend will pick it up or...whatever works for us as we collaborate...co-blab-erate.
• If you want to use the artwork bartered for commercial purposes, I expect a generous portion (50%+) of the barter to go towards a cancer research/cure/treatment related non-profit organization...and for this information to be disclosed during the original bartering conversations. Failure to do so will result in additional charges for service/product and possible legal action.

This project will run from September 5, 2011 - June 7, 2012 or until all of the 42 artworks in THE B(ART)ER PROJECT have gone to a new home.

Questions? Comments?
Email shelley@shelleydeck.com


PLEASE share this project with your friends and bookmark this page!

PEACE,

Shelley

Getting Better At Beading? Recent Work and Upcoming Reveals

Pink Wave...This is the one where I figured out how to keep beads flat on the hide.  Not crazy about the design, but....like I tell my students, sometimes on the road towards excellence there are potholes.  Don't give up trying.

Matrix Inspired...LOL!  Beading with the two green colors was calming.

Getting Better.  I still have a few things to work on in terms of order of operations, but...getting better.

Tear Drop - My Favorite So Far! 

Upcoming Work.  The skull has beads of two sizes and is looking pretty sweet.  A rainbow and a dollar sign are coming up next.

Finally Found Two Pairs of White Canvas Shoes...Stay Tuned to See What I Do With Them.

Two Ways to Get Your Groove Back:

"Bleepbleepbleep Gingerbread Boys" sketch for painting...or a tattoo?

Finally found the hammock I brought back with me from the island when I moved home!  YAY!

When life hands you lemons...BBQ! And spend $500 on another new water heater.

Uh...I got a lot to learn: "Beads-on-leather keychains"

Another Recent Snap