Ethan
Deuel: History + Art +Magic=Artronics
by Matt Lutt
Ethan Deuel, an artorian (artist/historian),
has developed a style of fine art which he calls "artonics."
Artonics
is present-day interpretations of prehistoric art through the
use of modern day mediums and tools to suggest a message from
the past. Only his experience and exposure to the original artifacts
and cave paintings allows the artonic artist to have the subjectivity
and sensitivity to recreate the mystical messages of prehistoric
artists.
In Deuel’s studio, he uses fiberglass,
a 21st century medium that is durable, portable and accessible.
He gives a collector access to ancient art, which is otherwise
impossible to acquire.
What Deuel is trying to express with artonics
is contemporary art that captures the story-telling and magic
of the ancient wizard artists. He creates something, for the
collector of fine art, which appears to be authentic pieces
of ancient history.
Deuel’s interest in ancient art began
with his travels to Baja, California where he experienced the
largest concentration of cave paintings in the Northern hemisphere;
one of them Cueva Paintada, the largest painted cave in the
world was over a football field and a half long. Many of the
caves that Deuel viewed in Baja were newly discovered and had
only been seen by a handful of people.
Over 350 years ago, the Spaniards arrived
in Baja. Their goal was to build missions from Baja to Northern
California. When they discovered the awesome Painted Caves they
questioned the Native Indians as to their origin. The Indians
had no definitive answer, only that legend was passed on through
many generations of the Giant Painters of Caves. The rediscovery
of the Painted Caves in the late 1960s brought archeological
evidence that the estimated age of the newest caves were more
than 1,000 years old.
These paintings were created by Nomadic
Indians and portrayed both coastal and mountain animals. "These
paintings," says Deuel, "depict spirituality, as well
as a plea for harmony and balance." It has always been
Deuel’s goal to create the visual impact and true essence
of the mystical and physical quality of the prehistoric art.
Soon after his travels to Baja, Deuel visited
southern France where he viewed the magic of the wizard artists
of the Paleolithic period (40,000-70,000 B.C.). At this time,
Deuel says that he witnessed the origin of art which lies within
the religious and dramatic interpretations of what was sacred
in life during that era.
"Prehistoric art allows us to review
the evolution of styles over a very long period of time. Not
only is prehistoric art a factor in man’s artistic achievement,
it sheds light upon the evolution of religion. Rock art is the
expression of man’s dialogue, with his eternal values,"
says Deuel.
Deuel’s contemporary renditions of
this Shaman Art, done with his unique style, dramatically recreate
a part of our human history. One of Deuel’s favorite quotes,
"We have invented nothing," was made by Pablo Picasso
upon leaving the famed painted cave, Liscoux.
His entire life, Deuel has been exposed
to fine art and its creation. He grew up the son of a great
artist, Austin Deuel. This exposure enhanced Deuel’s desire
to use his innate talents to create art that is both beautiful
and functional. "Art for me is my life, not a contest in
which I feel the need to win. People source me out to collect
my unique, prized pieces — for collecting, as well as for
their decorative needs. This demand for my artonic art has created
the many facets of what I do, leading to a diverse and functional
line of artwork."
Recently Deuel’s art has reached new
heights and continues to climb. Sharing his incredible success
are patrons such as Marty and Diane Herman, owners of Exposures
International, Gallery of Fine Art, in Sedona. The Hermans have
a love for art and the artists they represent, which is the
driving force behind their unique gallery.
Deuel’s complete collection is on permanent
display at Exposures Gallery, 561 Hwy. 179, Sedona, 520-282-1125,
open 10 am to 6 pm, seven days a week.
