Dean Brown's father was from Massachusetts and his mother from South Carolina, so he maintains that he grew up in a cultural, civil war. They were an Army family and moved often, absorbing different influences as they travelled. Despite these years of movement, Dean considers himself a Southerner and chose Southern colleges for his higher education. He spent thirty-four years as an art teacher and is now retired. Nowadays, his greatest learning comes from those around him constantly encouraging him to open his eyes. When not painting, Dean enjoys his hobby, making perfume, and spending time with his husband and their dog.
Statement
The times we live in are very complex,and I have lived through moments in time when I thought we were closing wounds and strove to hold our patchwork of tissues together, both internally and externally. But I no longer feel confidence in our needle and thread as the shear forces gather, anxious to tear us open. The elasticity necessary for this is old and worn. I mourn. We are no longer sutured. Painting helps me explore the mysteries of everyday life as well as contemplate the angst of existence and the quandary of consciousness.