Deon C. Jefferson
How it all started……..I was on the reality show “Undercover Boss:” I was on the show while I lived in Ohio. I was an employee of Alfred Angelo Bridal. The show was top secret, so I did not have a lot of details about. When the producers of the show introduced the idea of being on a reality show, I originally said no. The producer of the show called me and told me that “if I didn’t do the show, it would be a big mistake”. to me, this was a huge risk because they were not allowed to tell me that the show was “Undercover Boss”. They had to keep it a secret by only giving me small details. To make a long story short, I took the spot on the reality show. I then became a full-time designer making gowns for a manufacturing bridal company.
I now live in Florida because of the risk. I was able to move to Florida and have designed for two bridal companies. My art is influenced my history and music. Growing up, I enjoyed the history of anything. I love turning on my record player and getting an idea from listening to Marvin Gaye, Nina Simone or David Bowie. In my career, I’m most proud of the many dress collections I’ve contributed to. The reason being, is because so many people from the globe are able to wear my designs. (they sell in the US and overseas) I’m also proud to be the only designer for bridal company Gather and Gowns. Getting to where I am now was not easy. I’m still learning and growing. I’m not the artist I was in the past, and I’m always willing to get better. I would say college was the best thing I could do. The life lessons I learned in college, got me to where I am today. Also, having a vivid imagination and watching MTV-BET-and VH1 played a huge part as well. Looking up to artist like Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, and Jackson Pollock helped also.
The works featured here are available for purchase directly through the Artist. The Artist makes 100% of the profit of the sale of the artwork, so this is a great time to support them, while enhancing your art collection. The artist will directly pack and ship the product to you.
All works are original and signed by the artist!
For more information on these featured artworks email Deon @ [email protected]
Tell us more about Deon:
Let’s start with your story, we would like to know about your journey has been so community. I hear how you got started. I got started as a child. I was always the kid who needed art to feel comfortable or as a way of expression. My household consisted of 4 kids, but i was the only one that fell in love with art. My grandmother was a florist. She would create the most magnificent floral arrangements for churches, weddings, community events, and for her home. Watching my grandmother as a kid influenced me greatly. The way she manipulated color or her delicate touch with synthetic/real flowers was something that will last in my memory for years to come.What is something you had to put off because of the pandemic that you have recently done or is on your list to do soon? A Solo Art Show! I would love to have my own art show that features me as a multi-dimensional artist. I had an opportunity to do it before the pandemic but had to put things on pause. I applied for an artist grant in Palm Beach County. If awarded, the goal is to have my solo art show!
What does your art future hold for you? My art future consists of creating more tangible art. I intend to explore doing morals as well as further my involvement with artist therapy. I still plan to exhibit on a local level, but would love to start showcasing my work on a national and international level.
Artists are always bombarded by how great it is to pursue their passion etc., but we know from a lot of people that it is not always that easy. Overall would you say things have gotten better for you as an artist in South Florida? Things for me have become a little better for me as an artist. The only drawback is that my city(Palm Beach caters more to well-established artists as well as artwork with a particular aesthetic. Thankfully with the help of grants, I’m able to showcase my work in more spaces that lend itself to indie/amateur artists.As you know I am impressed with your work, tell our readers more for example. What are you most proud of, and what sets you apart from others? I am most proud of the my formal work as a bridal designer(with Alfred Angelo Bridal and Gathering Gowns)
How do you keep motivated? When it comes to art, my motivation comes from reading self help books and watching podcasts that lend themself to art or self care.Name a famous artist that inspires you and one not yet famous artist you would like the readers to know about.Beyonce and Blitz Bazawule New artist: Juan Cabera
Is there a current or upcoming show or exhibit you want to let people know about?I am a huge fan of “The Peach”. Its an artist collective in Palm Beach County that holds shows on a monthly basis.
How are you giving back to your community?I give back to the community by hosting a fashion art ball. The art ball is geared towards mental health and behavioral health. The event is sponsored by the city of Palm Beach County.
Is there anyone in particular you would like to mention, mentors, etc.? Firstly, of course, I must recognize my fiancé for his unwavering support over the years, as well as his helping me to continue to push myself, and our son without whom I would not have overcome my crippling perfectionism.
Let’s end with a fun fact about you.: I was featured on a reality show.
Email Address: [email protected] Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/deon.jefferson.5 Instagram: deon.cjefferson