This Book is a collection of works by Richard A. DeFeo. My Dad was a painter, sculptor, writer, poet, photographer, designer and inventor - a true Renaissance Man. Selecting the images for this book was a daunting task, and though they represent only a small fraction of his work, I feel they are the major milestones of his journey as an artist. They were also strong inspirations for my young artistic and curious mind.

Dad was innately forward-thinking, challenging himself to go further in order to enrich his life. For example, he joined the Air Force to take advantage of the G.I. Bill in order to afford art school. From then on, he always found a way to make the system work for him. After many successful but frustrating years in the corporate design world, he decided to go out on his own. He saved enough to support his family for a year... it worked, and he never looked back.

His creative spirit and courage was matched only by his generosity and encouragement - he was an enthusiastic mentor to anyone in need of guidance or a helping hand. Most impressive to me personally however, is how he led his life. Dad led by example. For myself and many others, his pursuit of art and his limitless "joie de vivre" was, and still is, the perfect example of how to live life...how to truly be a Renaissance Man.

Michael DeFeo