Richard Deon’s woodblock printson display at Millbrook Library

MILLBROOK — Crowds at the Millbrook Library viewed the woodblocks of Richard Deon and spoke with the artist Friday, Aug. 16.
Richard Deon takes inspiration from the Hudson Valley to create his art. Deon has lived in the area for 40 years but originally hails from Potsdam, New York. Some of his works feature familiar monuments, including the Tappan Zee Bridge and Storm King Mountain.

Deon highlighted how the woodblock printing process allows for a community to be involved in their creation. “It takes 8 people to run the press,” Deon said. “So there is a real community at work.”

Deon’s inspiration for his work began in middle school during social studies class. Deon’s teachers used outdated history textbooks featuring illustrations that reflected “consensus history.” Deon explained, “I passed the time by extending the art, adding new characters, buildings, and backgrounds, and editing a world with many contributors.” The result was familiar texts and images in a dream-like state; Deon creates an unusual interpretation of history.

The artist has struggled for much of his career with the prominence of the Hudson River School as a style dominating the culture of art in this area. Museums and many contemporary artists continue to implore this style and vision.

Though Abraham Lincoln and the Hudson River School are unassociated, they both existed at the same point in history. As an act of rebellion, Deon decided to combine the two, once again creating this unique version of history. As a result, the viewer questions what is real, and what is imagination. In reference to his artwork, Deon explained, “I like how audacious it is.” He went on to say, “It’s not a cohesive story. It’s really a story from the past. It’s all fiction.” Through his artwork, Deon likes to challenge boundaries, and at times reality. The evening’s attendees appreciated this opportunity to circumvent history and hear the artist explain some of his works.

Deon’s art will be on display at the Millbrook Library until Sept. 26.