"“Ingenuity Man”" Painting

Christian Von Deon, better known as Von Deon meaning "by or from Deon,” is a Detroit born multidisciplinary artist based in Tacoma, WA. The moniker reflects his multidisciplinary approach, rooted in his diverse range of artistic mediums. His current works explore abstract expressionist portraiture, cubism and the theme of camouflage as a metaphor. Using a distinctive pattern that encourages viewers to contemplate societal expectations, identity, and the beauty that emerges when we embrace our truest selves. His journey as an artist began in Metropolitan Detroit. At the age of 15 he was introduced to pottery through a High School ceramics club. He quickly developed a passion for wheel throwing pottery vessels, earning him the Ceramic Book Award in his graduating year (2010). Through art, he found a means to express himself, allowing him to process emotions and navigate life's pivotal decisions during his teenage years. Beyond ceramics, Von Deon ventured into poetry, music, and film, creating a substantial body of work to complement his evolving artistic identity. Von explored photography, studying film photography at Richmond, The American University in London in 2013 and earning a BFA in photography & photojournalism from Columbia College Chicago in 2016. Von Deon embraces the title of 'Flower Boyy' because of his earlier works centered around flowers, floral designs, and the concept of spiritual, mental, and physical growth. He views this identity as a product of embracing life as it is, learning from past mistakes and traumas, emphasizing acceptance and personal growth as universal concepts. He believes that personal growth is a cumulative process, capable of yielding substantial progress in a relatively short period. Growing up as an athlete, playing football throughout High School and early college years underlines his commitment to daily training and self-improvement. Additionally, he contributes to the artistic community as an educator, formerly working with adult artists with autism and currently working with artists across the U.S. weekly with his consulting and mentorship program The Flower Academe. His aspiration is to impart knowledge and confidence to others while continuously learning from those he has the privilege to teach.