Artistic Background and Development

Recognized in the local Irving, Texas community circles as a talented sculptor and teacher, Rick Deen has specialized in sandstone sculpture since 1994. His long-standing passion for various art forms, include drawing, painting and using different mediums.

 

Epiphany and Discovery

Deen's artistic breakthrough occurred in 1994 at Grapevine Lake, where he sculpted his name in sandstone. He experienced a moment of discovery while carving a unicorn into soft stone, igniting his passion for sculpture.

Exhibitions and Workshops

Irving Art Gallery

Irving Library North

Irving Central Library Exhibition

Over ten years, Deen experimented with tools, sealers, and bonding agents, learning the different stone properties, evolving his skills.

He has participated in local art associations, juried art shows, and has conducted workshops for children and the elderly.

 

Community Engagement

Deen has volunteered at local libraries, offering classes and demonstrations, and has been featured in local media. His work and artistic contributions have been featured in:

  • The Irving Morning News
  • The Irving Rambler Newspaper
  • The Irving Art Association
  • Grand Prairie Arts Council Visual Artfest, a Juried art show
  • The Heritage Herald, a Publication of the Irving Parks & Recreation Dept. Heritage Senior Activity Center
  • Irving Central Public Library
  • Neighbors - Irving, a Dallas Morning News Publication
  • City of Irving's Northwest Branch Library 

 

Friendships and Custom Work

Rick have been blessed to meet a great deal of people who have helped him over the years, and customers  as well as family members who have been his inspiration for some of his best works of art. These are some highlights in pictures:

Here is Rick with Dr. Malik, the attending surgeon who treated Rick when he had a 100% clot in the carotid artery. As a sign of gratefulness, Rick created a sculpture featuring Dr. Malik's business logo.

"The Hand" for Dr. Josh Lemmon 

"Bigfoot" for Felix

"The Snowman" for Troy Dungan, Channel 8 Weatherman

"Huge Pencils" for Gary Bass

"Spark Plugs" for Steve Stockton

"Dry Brush" for Johnny Sneed

Ariana's "Princess Sand Castle"

"Armadillo" for David Hamilton

"Flat Head & Phillips" for Gary Bass

For American Airlines Center

"Texas A&M" for David Hamilton

Halloween Sculpture for Rick Finn

"Two Faces" for Bill Bailey

"Splash Flower" for Catherine

"The Leaf" for the Blockbuster guy

"Little Wagon" for the gal at CVS

Praying Hands for David Hamilton

"Outhouse" for Gary's dad

"Three Indians" inspired by Rick's Grandfather's magnificent nose

"Double Digit" for Tammy

"Wedding Gifts" for Mark & Shevawn

Sculpture for the Album cover of band "Rush"

"The Hearts" went to a lot of people for Valentine's Day

"Hidden Smile" for Shawna

"Daisies" for someone's girlfriend

Apples went to the teachers at Rick's kids' school

Additional Artistic Endeavors

Rick Deen's artistic projects have taken some twists and turns.

Paper Crafts and Murals

Deen's artistic work includes a multitude of materials such as cardboard and paper. Here are some examples:

Acting Opportunities

When famous producer and director Oliver Stone came to Dallas to film the 1991 movie  "JFK" ... Rick signed up to be a policeman in that movie:

Paintings and Sketches

In addition to Deen's prolific sculpting experience, he has created numerous drawings and sketches over the years experimenting with various styles including cubist, abstract, geometric art and many more. These are some of his earlier works that eventually developed into his own unique style: