Robert Decker won’t compare himself to renowned North Country artist Michael Ringer, but the similarities are striking. Both developed a love of art as youths, earned fine arts degrees from Rochester Institute of Technology, taught high school art classes, and emerged as commercial successes.
Ringer ranks as the pre-eminent sculptor and painter of St. Lawrence River scenes from his studio in Alexandria Bay. Decker is too busy teaching at Gouverneur High School and honing his craft to lend credence to the comparison.
“I am humbled when people say that or put me in that category, but I would say no,’’ Decker said. “I mean, I definitely aspire to be as successful with my art as him and to be able to get to a point one day where I can just create art, but I’m just Robert Decker.’’
Stated like a teacher who knows he’ll be packing his lunch and meeting his high school classes in the morning.
“When I first graduated from college with my BFA (Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts), my Dad reached out to Michael and he was kind enough to sit down with me,’’ Decker recalled. “I showed him my work and he gave me some guidance and insight into his career as a teacher and artist. I really appreciated him for doing that.’’
Decker, 38, has been busy juggling family and school with his paintings and illustrations. Once the Theresa native graduated from Indian River Central School, he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from RIT, then returned to Indian River in 2011 as a part-time art instructor. This was not a case of “brain drain’’ from the North Country to the city.
“I just love the area, and my friends and family are here,’’ he said. “I also love the outdoors and am very passionate about hunting and fishing. No better place than being sandwiched between the St. Lawrence River and the Adirondacks.’’
For two years, Decker traveled between three schools to teach grades kindergarten through third grade, then landed the high school job at Gouverneur in 2013.
Now in his 12th year, he has emerged as a valuable addition to the teaching staff. The school board recognized him two years ago for donating his time and craft to build and paint sets for school musicals.
“He is kindhearted and very willing to create set pieces that take many, many hours to design, build and paint,’’ then-board president David Fenlong said when he awarded him the school’s Staff Recognition Award. “He is often seen working late into the afternoons and evenings. The students and the directors really appreciate his dedication and hard work.’’
Along with his class load, he mentors a younger teacher and advises the Art Club. He balances the demands of family life, raising daughter Eve, 6, with his wife, Jenna, at their Russell home. But his passion remains his art.
“Not sure I am quite the commercial success yet, but I am trying and painting new work while teaching full-time,’’ Decker said. “As far as the talent part, I think just putting my art out there for people to see and receiving positive feedback is what has pushed me to continue.’’
His love for art started as a boy. He often doodled on scrap paper or drew in a sketchbook. His favorite topic was the natural world around him.
“I’ve always loved being outside, obsessed with looking at and knowing animals, hunting and fishing,’’ he said. “I paint what I know and hopefully others that have experienced similar things can feel the truth in what I have painted, if that makes sense.’’
You won’t find his name in marquee letters above his Russell home, but like Ringer, his first studio is in his attic. He works on painting and illustrations, then posts his work online.
You’ll find samples online at https://robert-decker-art.myshopify.com/ or on his Facebook or Instagram pages. He also is displaying work at 1000 Islands Artisans & Delicacies in Clayton.
He also accepts commission work.
“I’ve done a number of pet and family portraits, river camps and cottages and wildlife scenes.’’
He hopes his personal art motivates his students.
“I have a senior in class, who I’ve had every year. The work just keeps improving. I’m super proud. Last year that student started posting art online and has since been completing a number of pet portrait commissions outside of school. I’d like to think that in some way I helped to inspire and motivate my students to do so.’’
Morristown native Jim Holleran is a retired teacher and sports editor from Rochester. Reach him at jimholleran29@gmail.com or view past columns under “Reflections of River Rat’’ at https://hollerangetsitwrite.com/blog/
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