Late September 17th, a fire raged through the Red Hook Artist Warehouse where I have had a studio for a couple of years.

My studio, with many years of my life's work, was lost in the fire. I am devastated. I am trying to remake many works that have been lost and to replace tools and materials that have become integral to my practice.

Lost were 38 glass books, recovered from the destruction of Magnus Hirschfeld's Institute for Sexual Science, that I remade in glass as a monument of sorts against oppression and xenophobic violence. Lost were many pieces of the glass ATV I have been working on for several years, that crystallizes personal and geopolitical connections through Southwest deserts. I lost many works in progress.

It's difficult to quantify the energy, intention, time, care, and labor that went into the making of these works. They are scheduled for exhibitions in Manhattan and San Diego in the coming year. I can't replace them, but I will remake them so they can have a new life. I am trying to recoup a fraction of the cost that it took to make, and that it will take to remake them. I don't know where to start, but I am trying to rebuild.

In total, I lost $150,000 and am hoping to raise $50,000 from my community at large and supplement with grants and other resources.

Anything helps. If you cannot donate but want to help, reach out. I welcome help in remaking the pieces, studio space to work on them, donations of specific materials, etc.

With love, Dean.