Dean DeCocker’s work is part of an on-going series, “Blue Jackets Return.” From the first winged-shaped structures to the present, he has been exploring formal elements by transforming flat, two-dimensional surfaces into three-dimensional objects. He derives much of his inspiration from everyday objects such as mailboxes, aircraft structures, wings and propellers, heavy machinery and architectural works. These objects become conceptual elements, which he first interprets into drawings; then, via techniques of aircraft construction, he fabricates objects of inner structures and outer coverings to create volumetric enclosures. His recent interest in racecar fabrication and finishing has led to the incorporation of color. The original conceptual idea for the shapes in both the indoor and outdoor sculptures in this exhibition stems from an interest in propellers of WWII Corsair fighter planes - a side view of a three-bladed propeller. In single form or abstracted into multiple forms, they evoke ideas of flight or suggest biomorphic forms. Propellers can be traced by way of Leonardo da Vincito the Egyptians and to ancient China where they were used to propel watercraft. Propellers have evolved from the Wright Brothers to today’s jet prop vehicles. The titles of the works have no real meaning, but arise from the artist’s interest in construction techniques of WWII aircraft battles in the South Pacific.
Dean DeCocker works and lives in California.