A collection of abstract paintings on a wall, featuring vibrant colors and geometric shapes. Each artwork displays a unique style with bold lines and dynamic brush strokes.

“It’s about pursuing complexity and inspiring critical thinking.”

Sketchbook and colored pencils on a table.

Shows & Art Resume

American, b. 1971, Oklahoma, based in Seattle, Washington

Awards

I can’t be bothered to apply for awards. Judge for yourself.

Selected Solo Shows

2018 Peter Miller, Seattle, Washington, Peacekeeping

2013 Artist's open studio, Seattle, Washington, The Building Fall Open Studios

2012 Artist's open studio, Seattle, Washington, Look+Listen

2012 Leedy-Voulkos Art Center, Kansas City, Missouri, LX-12

2009 Artist's open studio, Seattle, Washington, West Seattle Art Walk

2003 MoMO Gallery, Kansas City, Missouri, Fluff

2001 Artist's open studio, Kansas City, Missouri

1995 Medina's Gallery, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Collapsed Space

Lad Decker, Senior show at Kansas City Art Institute 1994

Lad Decker, Senior show at Kansas City Art Institute 1994

Selected group shows

2024 JDS Gallery, Seattle, Washington, Fire and Brimstone

2018 Seattle Artist League, Seattle, Washington, Big League Show

2002 The Late Show Gallery, Kansas City, Missouri, Eternal-Glorious

2002 The Late Show Gallery, Kansas City, Missouri, Road Kill

2002 MoMO Gallery, Kansas City, Missouri, Learning to Swim

1999 The Late Show Gallery, Kansas City, Missouri, Your Lyin', Cheatin', Bleedin' Heart

1998 1331 Union Gallery, Kansas City, Missouri, Post Serial

1997 The Madrid Theatre, Kansas City, Missouri, Greetings From The Madrid

1997 The Zone Gallery, Kansas City, Missouri, Fiber Substitute

Reviews, publications and interviews

Evergreen Review, Hostile Witness Spring Summer 2024, New York, NY, USA

PublicDisplay.Art Hostile Witness November 2023, Seattle, Washington, USA

Beholder 2. 2019, Seattle, Washington, USA

Hush-Kit, Helicopter as warrior, hero and villain: an interview with artist Lad Decker May 2018, England, UK

Trafton, Robin. It's Not Fluff: Lad show illuminates war Kansas City Star May 30, 2003, Kansas City, Missouri, USA

Kaufmann, Gina. This week’s best events. The Pitch May 22, 2003, Kansas City, Missouri, USA

Walz, Cara. Really red and larger than life The Pitch May 20, 2003, Kansas City, Missouri, USA

Education

1994 Kansas City Art Institute, Kansas City, Missouri, Bachelor of Fine Arts

1990 Booker T. Washington High School, Arts Magnet

1989 Marie Walsh Sharpe Art Foundation

Black and white image of a workspace with sketchbooks, a pencil, a model helicopter, paintbrushes, a military history magazine, and art supplies by a window.

Art, design, and human-computer interaction

I’m an artist with more than one job. I believe artists are important to developing culture and community by participating outside of the studio. Artists teach how to create, stay curious, and make something from nothing. Besides painting, I research and design experiences for human-computer interaction products. The design process begins with understanding people. I specialize in foundational research, mental models, and thinking styles to illuminate the human beyond the technology. I've worked with many of the world's most recognized brands and organizations, including great artists, performers, and theaters. Whenever asked, I encourage artists to work with designers, architects, and entrepreneurs to create experiences that enhance our lives. 

Check out my UX research and design on LinkedIn for more information.

In The Studio