Meet artist Brenda A. Decker

Several weeks ago, my associate, Corrie Guddemi, suggested we do a Q & A  profiling the different artists exhibiting at TraillWorks for a monthly feature in our newsletter. So she took it a step further to write as a guest blogger. You might recall her post earlier this month on artist, Martha C. Hall. Without further, adieu, here's her interview with Brenda Decker:

Continuing with my Q & A with TraillWorks' guest artists, this month I'll be speaking with Brenda A. Decker, a very multifaceted artist. I decided to do this interview with Brenda after she brought in two very realistic paintings which were different than the abstract acrylic prints and paintings I was used to seeing from her. I hope you enjoy reading the back story behind this very intriguing artist. Thanks Brenda for satisfying my curiosity!

Corrie: Do you have any formal training in the arts/framing?

Brenda A. Decker: I'm a self taught artist. I've been creating art all of my life. I have studied with a few other artists, always experimenting with different styles and mediums.

Corrie: Do you have a preferred medium?

Brenda A. Decker: I prefer water based mediums like acrylics and inks. The acrylics are very versatile where as you can create with endless possibilities. The quick drying time allows me to paint multiple layers of color and texture.

 Composition 414, acrylic on wood panel, $1200, © 2011 Brenda A. Decker

Corrie: When did you paint “Graceful morning” and “Along the coast”? I couldn’t believe they were yours when I saw them, very different then the gelatin prints I am familiar with! Do you work in both styles at the same time, or do you go through periods where you focus on one way of painting?

Brenda A. Decker: Those traditional style paintings were done about two years ago. I work periodically, switching styles as to where my needs take me. Right now I'm in my
"contemporary phase" painting larger format abstracts with acrylics. I believe that next I will be printing gelatin plate monotypes. Although all of my styles are different, I approach them in a very similar manner. My inspiration for all of my work comes from what I see around me. A peaceful farm scene, colors in nature, an abandoned building, or just a feeling. The painting process starts with multiple layers of carefully chosen color. Then many hours of laboring over the right details, textures or elements, until I'm satisfied with the result. The gelatin prints are slightly different. The colors and design are loosely planned ahead. Since it's a monotype, you print once and marvel at end result.

 Along the coast, acrylic on canvas board, 9.75" x 14.5", $425, © Brenda A. Decker

Graceful Morning, acrylic on canvas board, 8.75" x 14.5", $425,  © Brenda A. Decker

Corrie: I really like “Telephony,” and noticed that the phone book page collaged into that piece is a listing of social service agencies, what was the intent/social message behind that piece?

Brenda A. Decker: "Telephony" of course has a telephone theme that started with the beautiful woman on the phone, collage element. The background is a listing of social services from a phone book. I feel that sometimes help IS just a phone call away. I believe there are people in need of help, and people that are willing to help. I try not to force any specific messages in my art. I would rather the viewer see the art and create their own feelings, making it more personal.

 Telephony, mixed media collage, 10" x 12", $325, © Brenda A.  Decker

Corrie: Is collage a new way of working for you?

Brenda A. Decker: I started collage many years ago with Jonathan Talbot. It's a fun process that simply lets me express myself in a different way. It also lets me recycle and utilize my cool found objects.

Brenda is currently working on creating her own website with the help of artist Jonathan Talbot, which will showcase her artwork. In the mean time, the work pictured here as well as additional pieces can be purchased at TraillWorks. To view more of her work, please continue on to TraillWorks'  Facebook page where Brenda has her own artist's album here.

Opening and Benefit a HUGE Success!

From left, Brenda Decker (featured artist), Jane MacNeil (Turn the Towns Teal, Inc.), Jennie Traill Schaeffer (me), Martha Traill Schaeffer (jewelry artist and mom)

I'm still on cloud nine after this Saturday's opening for Brenda Decker and benefit for Ovarian Cancer Awareness! TraillWorks saw a fantastic turnout with Jane MacNeil, president of Turn the Towns Teal, Inc. on hand to greet visitors and share information about ovarian cancer. Featured artist, Brenda Decker was on hand, as well as an appearance by jewelry artist, Martha Traill Schaeffer. I'm pleased to announce that though donations and sales during the day, TraillWorks will be donating about $279 to Turn the Towns Teal, Inc. to help in their awareness campaign across the country. 

Brenda Decker and Jennie Traill Schaeffer

Special thank yous go out to Krave Cafe and Caterers for their tasty and elegant spread, as well as to Frederick Wildman and Sons, Ltd. for the delicious Folonari and Trapiche wines. Both donated their respective offerings for the evening. 

Red Line, Acrylic on Panel, 24" x 36", ©2010 Brenda Decker, SOLD

And, congratulations on the success of Brenda Decker's artwork. Thus far we've had one sale, and though it was my favorite piece of the show, there are many other sublime pieces available through September 25th. Brenda was also an award-winner at the Sussex County Arts & Heritage Council's Skylands Juried Show. She's worked hard to achieve the recognition; it's well-deserved. 

Circle of Hope Pendant, $95, ©2010 Martha Traill Schaeffer

Martha Traill Schaeffer and TraillWorks will continue to donate 10% of the retail price of any of her jewelry purchased during the rest of the month to Turn the Towns Teal, Inc. Her set, Circles of Hope, is still available, though congratulations is in order on her sale of a Circle of Hope pendant on Saturday.  

Homage to Julia, Oil and Collage on Panel, 24" x 24", ©2010 Jennie Traill Schaeffer, SOLD

And, to toot my own horn, because, as my associate Corrie says, my work should come first, I finally sold a painting via ArtQuiver on Saturday to a longtime student. Homage to Julia will be my first official ArtQuiver sale and helped me to donate money to Turn the Towns Teal, Inc. I'll be posting a blog soon about my upcoming commissions and their progress, so keep an eye out for that! 

Thank you again to Jane MacNeil of Turn the Towns Teal, Inc., Kate and Rich Hashway of Krave Cafe and Caterers, Frederick Wildman & Sons, Ltd., Martha Traill Schaeffer/Mom, Brenda Decker, and all of the friends, family and visitors who joined us and donated on Saturday to help save women's lives. 

ArtWorks Benefit Ovarian Cancer Awareness

TraillWorks, Tealed.

September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Three out of the past four years, I have held some type of event to benefit an Ovarian Cancer organization. The previous two benefited Kaleidoscope of Hope Foundation, and this year I have decided to work with Turn the Towns Teal, Inc. which used to be under Kaleidoscope of Hope's umbrella. Gail MacNeil (1943-2008) coined the phrase, Turn the Towns Teal and also helped to start Kaleidoscope of Hope.

Turn the Towns Teal, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit committed to the mission of raising awareness of symptoms of ovarian cancer. It's a strange disease, in that if treated early, over 90% of women will survive. However, due to symptoms that seem more related to general aging and the lack of early detection screening tests, most cases are not diagnosed until the cancer has progressed into later stages. Only about 19% of all ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed at this early stage and if found in later stages, three and higher, the survival rate is only about 30%. 

Turn the Towns Teal, Inc. is working in NJ and several other states to "teal" town centers with ribbons, lawn signs, and distribute symptom cards to raise awareness of the disease. This organization is special to me because it directly affected my family when my mom's college friend, Barbara Salamy, passed away from ovarian cancer several years ago. It was found too late and she fought for a little over a year. It was my first knowledge of the disease and since then several of my mom's close friends have been diagnosed. Fortunately, they were more aware of the disease's symptoms, following up early enough to be diagnosed sooner.  

Jenny Shotwell of Doggone Gorgeous and me tying teal ribbons.

Spring Street, Newton donned in teal ribbons.

Saturday, September 11th, coinciding with the opening reception of "Brenda Decker-New Acrylic Paintings and Recent Gelatin Monotypes" I'm hosting a benefit at TraillWorks for Turn the Towns Teal, Inc. From 5 - 8pm Brenda will be on hand to talk about her work and meet with visitors. Krave Cafe and Caterers has agreed to donate a spread of hors d' oeuvres and Frederick Wildman and Sons, Ltd. will donate Trapiche and Folonari wines for the cause. We will have symptom cards on hand so you can learn about ovarian cancer. Some of the jewelry artists have made teal jewelry and my work will be available in the lesson room. And, throughout the day, TraillWorks and its artists will donate 5% of all sales to Turn the Towns Teal, Inc. All customers will have the option to receive an additional 5% off or donate it to Turn the Towns Teal, Inc. 

Reclamation, 18" x 24", Acrylic on Panel, ©2010 Brenda Decker, $750

Brenda Decker of Stockholm, NJ, is a multi talented artist whose work for the show features both acrylics and gelatin monotypes. The pieces are rich in texture, spontaneity and strong in composition. Her work is loosely influenced by nature, but she tends to stay away from giving her work too much context, preferring the viewer to find their own meaning in the work. Strong at using both subtle tones and strong colors, several of the pieces feature the color teal.

I've known Brenda since exhibiting together at Art at the Mill in Lafayette, NJ and has always admired her work. It's an honor to be exhibiting it at my own gallery and to help support a very dear cause. I hope you'll join us for a special night. Learn more about the event here, or view a preview video of the exhibit.