Artist Focus: Jane DeDecker

Jane DeDecker has been an artist since 1986, and since then has created more than 350 original sculptures, 90 of those being lifesize and 20 one-of-a-kind monuments. Many of her editions sell out completely. Her work has also been in USA Today and Forbes,as well as many other publications.

Kindred, bronze, 10½ x 16½ x 9”

Today she is recognized for her pioneering work honoring the historical significance of women’s achievements through sculptural form. Throughout her career, she has commemorated the accomplishments of more than 35 trailblazers like Amelia Earhart, Emily Dickenson, Harriett Tubman, Ida B. Wells, Alice Paul, Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Hellen Keller and Laura Cornelius Kellogg, to name just a few. Cities and other organizations across the nation have been commissioning her to capture and honor their local unsung heroines and icons. Until now, many of these women were merely forgotten and rarely mentioned but in footnotes.

A Roll in the Hay, bronze, 6 x 12 x 4”

“Evoked emotions and personal connections are the metaphors that come to mind when in the company of Jane DeDecker’s creations. Her sculptures cause a double take—visually and emotionally—due to their gestural freshness and enticing intrigue,” notes Claggett/Rey Gallery director Margaret DeDecker. “Some have playful plots that tell a story while others capture a moment in time. The unique expressions of texture (regardless of genre) draw you in to investigate the sculptural landscape further. Jane is a narrator through her strokes and sweeps of clay while the audience gets to apply their personal experiences to complete the story. Contemporary to classical, her creativity is boundless. Every collection should include multiple DeDecker sculptures. Claggett/Rey celebrates a wide variety of her work exhibited throughout the gallery, so we invite you to come complete your narrative.” —