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Silas is a soft-spoken, 50 year-old who hails from South Carolina. A truck driver by trade, Silas is currently on disability due to a spinal injury suffered in a trucking mishap. He is now focusing much of his energy in creating breathtaking, 3-D works of art crafted out of plywood, Pine, twigs, frayed rope, and other found materials. His paints are primarily acrylic, although he often dilutes the paint with water for a softer look. DeKind’s creations are frequently rather large in size and can take up to a week or more from start to finish. The detailed wood carving featured in most of his art is by far the most painstaking part of his creative process, but also the most challenging and rewarding.
Much of Silas’ art has a spiritual theme, including recurring baptism scenes reflecting his experiences in the SC Lowcountry and other parts of the Deep South. “I spent some time in Mississippi during my time in the military,” DeKind pointed out. “Quite a few of my paintings come from memories of those times and places.”DeKind’s Grandfather was the caretaker of the White House Plantation, which was located not far from present day Georgetown, SC. Silas’ art and strong religious beliefs are highly personal matters to him. His works have always been fashioned for shear personal satisfaction and he never really expected to make a living with a paintbrush and carving tools.
“For years I just didn’t realize I had been blessed with a special talent. Friends and family saw my work, liked it, and encouraged me to keep at it.”
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