Exhibit embraces beauty of deterioration

The dynamic duo showcased the opening of its latest exhibit, “Abandonment Issues: The Art of Decay,” at the Substance Gallery on Mills Avenue last Friday night. The array of photos and spray-painted art depicted the essence of decaying man-made artifacts.

The two met in June last year while Decker was taking photographs of Wilson’s mural piece at an art event.

“I’ve had people take pictures of my art before, but Geoff has this innate ability with photography,” Wilson said.

Wilson and Decker bonded over their hometown of Jacksonville and immediately began collaborating ideas about the art of decaying objects.

“When decay occurs all that’s left is strong skeletal abstract material,” Wilson said.

“I think the end of anything’s existence really tells its story,” Winter Park resident Decker said about his allure for decaying objects.

Decker’s photo of withering roses called “Falling Slowly” caught Wilson’s eye because viewers can see the irony in how one rosebud began to dwindle, never having had the opportunity to blossom.

Decker uses everything from matte canvas to metallic paper to bring out the fundamental nature of his photos. The assortment of material he uses for his photographs shows the versatility in his work.

A self-taught photographer, 27-year-old Decker has been practicing photography for two-and-a-half years. Aside from photography, Decker works at AiDi and Lockheed Martin as a technical writer.

Wilson’s fascination with the art of decay stemmed from the realization that in America aged things tend to be replaced easily.

“I find things in their advanced state of discrepancy amazing,” Wilson said.

Wilson especially likes painting oxidized metals, which viewers can see in her “Castles Crumble” piece, a decorative metal that has rusted.

Murmurs of astonishment chimed around the room when Wilson notified attendees that her art was created with aerosol paint and not paint brushes. The edges within Wilson’s art have a pristine quality to them that appear obtainable only with a paintbrush.

Having been professionally trained at Douglas Anderson High School of the Arts in Jacksonville, Wilson’s passion for art was harvested in her from early on. After graduating from high school, Wilson attended Flagler College in St. Augustine, where she graduated with a degree in fine art in 2004.

The 27-year-old has been creating spray-paint art for seven years, but she also does airbrushing, hand painting, body painting, drawing, sculpting, and custom car and motorcycle painting.

“I like exploring different mediums because my creativity doesn’t end at just one,” Wilson said.

Wilson lives in Cocoa Beach with her 3-year-old daughter Echo, whom she credits for giving her the inspiration to pursue motherhood and art full time. Wilson said that prior to her daughter’s birth, she was afraid to pursue art seriously.

“I want her to look up to someone that follows their dreams,” Wilson said.

Attendees of the art opening had only praises about Wilson’s and Decker’s work.

“It’s interesting how art can take these forms and become so visually appealing,” Orlando resident Melissa Elizabeth said.

“I really like what Geoff did with the metallic print, and Morgan is pretty amazing with a spray can,” photographer Jessica Hunt said.

All of Wilson and Decker’s work is available for sale. For more information visit the Substance Gallery

Facebook page: SUbstance Bar.

To view more of Wilson’s work visit: Nova Lux Studio.