Ravens from a Dream

Why do I paint ravens and other blackbirds?

Ravens symbolize wisdom, secrets, freedom, prohecy, death and the magical ways of the universe. All those aspects have consistently appeared within my fiction and poetry over the years.

A long time ago, I visited a tropical bird shop in New York City. There were parrots and other colorful birds there. A poet friend and I wandered from the well-lit area of that store, and into a backroom. There was a raven there–beautiful, feathers shiny black, eyes filled with wisdom. A curious creature that grabbed onto a pair of glasses, that I carried, as I walked by its cage. We got into a playful tug of war over those spectacles.

I remember my feathered friend fondly as I paint these days…that being hidden away, appearing to artists and poets because they’ve wandered off the beaten path. Because they journeyed into a secretive place where the raven waits.

I got to thinking that maybe we’re all in some sort of tug of war with our secrets, our sense of freedom. And don’t most of us deny magic as we strive to make our way in this material world? Don’t most people deny mortality until old age?

Deep thoughts and speculation are a trademark of the creative mind. Maybe those thoughts are silly to the mainstream. No matter…I paint ravens…at least for now…

Sandy DeLuca, May 12, 2020

Paintings–May, 2020

Thinking of how the sea looks after dark and all the creatures that come out at night.

Projects During Isolation, 2020

This is has been a difficult time for most of us. Because of the coronavirus, not leaving my home except for occasional supply runs, has become normal. Time spent in solitude has granted me more time to create. I’ve recently rewritten and expanded my 2011 novella, INTO THE RED. (originally released from Damnation Press). At the time of this post, it is at Crossroad Press awaiting final edits and proofs.

In addition, I am working on a novel inspired by my great grandfather’s house and the surrounding area. AND I’ve decided to expand several short stories–written over a decade ago–into novellas.

Those of you who know my process are familiar with the sketches and paintings that accompany my written work.

I’m posting some of my pandemic paintings here.

As always, thanks for checking out my work.

Artistic Face Masks

I normally sell prints of my visual art at Fine Art America. Recently, face masks have become available. I will be donating all profits made to PAAWS RI

You can find masks for sale here:

Artistic Face Masks

Here are a few samples…

Darker Days

It’s the end of November, the holidays are approaching and the landscape is darker, painted with deep brown, rust, gray…black. I think of classic writers like Poe and my paintings are inspired by these things.

I am continuing to write shorter fiction, a bit of poetry, also inspired by this time of year and by memories of past years.