Deeb

Fan
Name:	Deeb, Deeb Cairns
Alias(es):
Type:	fan artist
Fandoms:	Star Trek: TOS
Communities:
Other:
URL:	cover of Oasis, "Kirk and Spock resting at a waterfall"
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Deeb is a slash fan writer and fan artist whose work has appeared in numerous fanzines.

Awards

Deeb has won numerous Philon Awards:

• cover from Festival won a Silver Philon Award in 2001
• interior art from Amazing Grace #4 won her a Bronze Philon Award in 2000
• interior art "Crystal Dreams" in Beyond Dreams #1 won her a Gold Philon Award in in 1999, was also nominated for a STIFfie that year
• interior art "The Kiss" in Amazing Grace—Special Edition won a Silver Philon Award in 1998
• frontispiece in T'hy'la #18 won Bronze Philon Award in 1998
• the frontispiece from T'hy'la was nominated for a STIFfie

Fanzine Work

The 25th Year | Alexi | Amazing Grace | As I Do Thee | Beside Myself | Beyond Dreams | Counterpoint | Devotion | Festival | Fever | First Time | In the Shade | The K/S Art Project | KaleidoScope | Oasis | Off Duty | Scattered Stars | T'hy'la | The Way of the Warrior | Within the Mirror

Fan Comments

In The K/S Press #1 her artwork in Scattered Stars #8 was reviewed:

Even though this is from '94, already I believe there's a change in Deeb's portrayals of Kirk and Spock. This pen and ink drawing of Spock shows him chained to a stone wall. No one looks sexier chained to a stone wall than Spock, but already there's a hint of darkness. I am really intrigued by this direction in Deeb's beautiful and skilled artwork.

In The K/S Press #2 her artwork from Amazing Grace #3 was reviewed:

Deeb’s drawing of a dead Kirk and a distraught Spock from “Amok Time” printed on red paper is very effective, nearly searing.

In the history of Star Trek K/S zine Legacy, Deeb's artwork was the subject of discussion in Dribbling Scribbling Women: The History of Our Art by Liz Woledge. Fanzine editor Dovya wrote:

I know that I too often enjoy a piece of art which though not technically perfect is very evocative nonetheless. I certainly don’t require a photo-real image to adore a picture. I think Deeb’s pen and inks spring to mind here, I note that I have saved some six of her drawings in my favourites file and although they are never hyper real they have that excitement and joy and passion which I think is part of the essence of K/S.

Sample Art

1989

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  from Fever #1

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  from Fever #1

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  from As I Do Thee #12 (1989)

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  from As I Do Thee #12 (1989)

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  from Counterpoint #2 (1989)

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  from Counterpoint #2 (1989)

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  "If This Isn't Love," from Counterpoint #2 (1989)

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  "This is the perfect illustration for "Roses Aren't Always Red". Deeb has captured in this picture everything the author wanted to tell us. You can see Spock's loneliness, his hope, his admiration of the beauty and his love. A beautiful piece of art!" from Counterpoint #2 (1989)

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  from Counterpoint #2 (1989)

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  from Naked Times #22

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  from Off Duty #2 (1989)

1990

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  from Counterpoint #3, for Shared Space - "There resides an amazingly accurate rendition of Spock gripping the bars of a cell and looking far beyond them — miles beyond, it seems. I’ve never seen Spock looking any more appealing. An excellent likeness that I’d have to label just a bit idealistic, because he is just so flawlessly handsome. This work is by Deeb and she deserves a big WOW!"

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  from Counterpoint #3, for Shared Space - "Deeb also has given us a glimpse of Spock lifting Kirk’s chin in anticipation of a kiss. This stirring portrait appears between pages 22 and 23. Softly drawn, the Spock is not quite as on-target as the “jailhouse” work, but who’s perfect? Wish they’d go ahead and complete that kiss while I’m looking!"

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  from T'hy'la #8 (1990)

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  from T'hy'la #9 (1990)

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  from T'hy'la #9 (1990)

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  from Oasis

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  from Oasis. Later comments from the artist: "Once when I had worked 'til the last minute on a drawing and had to pack to leave for California in the morning, he [husband] offered to take said drawing to the printer to be copied. Now, this just happened to be a rather large drawing of K/S, very naked, and K is washing S's hair. As it turns out, my regular printer couldn't handle anything of that size, and my husband toted that thing all over town (a small, very conservative area) until he found someone who could." (1990)

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  The Way of the Warrior #3 (1990)

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  Alexi (1990)

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  Alexi (1990)

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  from As I Do Thee #16 -- "Gosh, I can look at lovely K/S art forever.... This illo is truly gorgeous! I wish I owned the original sketch. I'ts a close up view of K&S in bed; Spock's head resting on Kirk's chest, their arms holding one another, faces content in the moment. And there is the slightest smile on Kirk's face that I adore. Deeb is one of the best!" (1990)

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  from Nova Trek (1990)

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  from Nova Trek (1990)

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  from Nova Trek (1990)

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  from Nova Trek (1990)

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  from Nova Trek (1990)

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  from Nova Trek (1990)

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  from Nova Trek (1990)

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  from Nova Trek (1990)

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  from Nova Trek (1990)

1991

• 

  from The 25th Year (1991)

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  "Really great covers — that beautiful long-haired Kirk and Spock with the colored earring." Scattered Stars #3 (1991)

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  "The front cover is wonderful, of impishness in those eyes!" Scattered Stars #3 (1991)

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  original pencil drawing of Kirk and Spock dated 1991

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  original pencil drawing of Kirk and Spock in an embrace dated 1991

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  from Counterpoint #4: "This was one of the best covers I've seen in a while. What a tender moment! The little smile on Spock's face seemed just right and by the way he's looking at Kirk you just know that our Vulcan feels more than friendship for his friend and captain. This artist gets better and better all the time." Another fan comments: "I usually read a zine cover to cover when I'm ready to devote my full attention to it, but when I realized the cover art here went with a story, I just had to read the story immediately to find out what was going on in this lovely, evocative drawing. Besides the perfect technique, as usual, and the style always to my liking, I think this is the most beautiful Spock ever, while still being in a "realistic" mode (as opposed to the long-hair warriors, for instance,which are gorgeous but don't exactly ring true). "Since I find it very difficult to say why I like a piece of art, I was going to let myself off the hook and not comment on this study of Kirk pulling back Spock’s bangs to look deep into his eyes. At first I thought it wasn’t “right”, that Spock seemed too young, too elfin. But the more I looked, the more it grew on me and the more I thought this is how Spock might have looked had Kirk so displayed his affection early in the series. Spock looks so innocent, yet so rapt as he return the human’s gaze. Kirk’s features are barely visible, yet the crinkle is there at the corner of the eye and we know the smile is there as we see it reflected in the slightly upturned Vulcan lips.

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  from As I Do Thee #17: "You don't have to be an art critic to understand or appreciate this powerful cover portrait of Spock. You need only have read "Acceptance" by Jane Mailander (AIDT 15) and you will have seen it in your mind long before Deeb's rendition. There is such a sense of strength found here in direct counterpoint to the vivid feeling of tremendous loss. It must be extremely difficult to capture two such opposing impressions on one canvas, in one expression—but it has been done with sensitivity and perfection." ]] (1991)

1992

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  from As I Do Thee #18 (1992)

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  from Counterpoint #6 (1992)

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  from Counterpoint #6 (1992)

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  from Amazing Grace #2 (1992)

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  from Beside Myself #3 (1992)

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  from T'hy'la #11

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  from T'hy'la #11

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  from First Time #32

1993

• 

  Kaleidoscope #1 (1993)

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  Kaleidoscope #1 (1993)

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  "This Pre-Reform warrior Spock is both imposing and beautiful. I also appreciate the balance in the composition including the issue number on the horse's blinders and the shield. I wish, however, that we could have seen the horse's features. No doubt such a warrior would have a mount who is as proud, magnificent and fierce as he is. I also would have liked to have seen what is on the banner which is attached to Spock's lirpa." Scattered Stars #5 (1993)

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  Scattered Stars #5 (1993)

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  from First Time #37 - "It was quite a shock when I saw the cover of FIRST TIME 37. There, staring at me from the cover of a zine was the same picture that I see every single day, several times, from where it hangs in my closet (That sacred place where all K/S artifacts are... kept. My husband calls it my shrine and claims I worship there.) The picture of Spock with his lyre is one of my all time favorites, and I had the pleasure of purchasing the original back in June of 1991, at the twenty-fifth anniversary convention. Deeb's style of strong black ink (I know nothing about art, guys, forgive my naive inaccuracies) is especially suited to pictures of Spock. I think. And this is a wonderful Spock, with strength and character and a little touch of humor shown beautifully in that exquisite curve of his lips. .. Sigh. Bravo. Deebl I still love that picture, and now everybody else can enjoy It too. (1993)

1994

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  Kaleidoscope #2 (1994)

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  Kaleidoscope #2 (1994)

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  Kaleidoscope #2 (1994)

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  from First Time #38 - "Great picture of Kirk and Spock kissing under the mistletoe! It accompanies the very cute Karla Kelly story, “The Perfect Gift”. Or maybe Kirk and Spock are just about to kiss - both have their mouths open with the lips just touching. I like the way Kirk’s hand is resting on Spock’s throat, and Spock’s hand is in Kirk’s hair."

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  from First Time #38 - "Well, if you want to get your heart rate up, look at this picture, which accompanies Brianna’s story. It shows Kirk in a wanton, inviting pose. He’s on his stomach, left leg drawn up a bit, testicles partly shown, and arms clutching a pillow as if to brace himself for what is to come. (Ahem.) Very erotic picture. It does not perfectly illustrate the action in the story, since Kirk is on his back when Spock takes him there, but the way the story is going, I’m sure they’ll get around to this position soon!"

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  from First Time #38 - "Oh, my lucky stars! Here I am once again attempting to verbalize how much excitement and enjoyment I derive from a piece of art (I'm not sure if I mean the whole picture or the most tantalizing penis I believe I've ever seen!) Both are exquisite! Spock has a very youthful looking face, but who can linger there long enough to truly appreciate the face? What a prize-winning piece of equipment! Long and sturdy and perfedly formed—Thank you, thank you, DEEB. It's a wonder Kirk ever makes it to the bridge!" Another fan writes: "Well, if the picture on page 62 was for Kirkophiles, this picture will cause all the Spockophiles to swoon dead away! Whoa, my goodness me. Yummy, yummy, yummy! My K/S friends know that I find Kirk to be more attractive, but if Leonard Nimoy looked like this then I might have to consider changing my opinion! (Well, maybe I would let him tie with Kirk in my affections.) This is a nude of Spock on his knees. A supremely well endowed Spock, I might add! What I like about this picture is that it is an idealized representation of Spock that I find believable. I just don’t buy the pictures of Spock I sometimes see where he is rippling with muscles. Leonard Nimoy has that long, lean physique that I don’t think can ever look like a body builder. I have a friend with a build like Nimoy’s (tall and slender) and he went to the gym for six months once with a man who had a build more like Shatner’s (shorter and more compact.) My friend was quite chagrined when after both diligently worked out for six months, his friend had muscles everywhere while he hardly looked any different. This picture of Spock is more muscular than Nimoy was in the series, but in a believable fashion. The shoulders are a bit broader, so the waist is a little more defined, and the arms are also a little more muscular. For the long, lean body type, this picture is just about perfect. (In my opinion, of course. I know lots of fans love a rippling with muscles Spock, but it’s just not to my tastes.)"

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  from First Time #38 - "Three times Spock: the warrior -- sensuous and passionate, the Mirror Spock -- dark and powerful, the young Spock of our universe -- shy and innocent. What lovely idea to show them all in one picture!" Another fan writes: "This third picture is very different in technique from the first two (or it looks that way to my untrained eye). It accompanies Robin’s “Three Faces of Spock” poem, and so is divided into three parts. The background is entirely black around the pictures of Spock presented here. Great representation of the side view of an AU warrior Spock (sexy braid and earring) on the left. In the middle is a head on picture of the mirror Spock looking appropriately menacing and sinister. To the right is our Spock, face partly hidden, looking pensive and thoughtful. I loved seeing three faces of Spock in one picture like this."

1995

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  from T'hy'la #16 - "I like the colors in this Pre-Reform K/S illo. The background is the same green tinge as Spock's skin. This is the first time I have ever seen Spock with a different skin tone that contrasts with Kirk's. Very nice sheen on the emerald around Spock's neck. My housemate thought that this Spock looked like his image of Qyuannechota, A Native American female a/u Spock from Leslie Fish's gen Trek novel, THE WEIGHT. Now, I don't think this Spock looks feminine, but he does look sensual and very mysterious."

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  from T'hy'la #16

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  from T'hy'la #16 - "I just flipped over this unusual drawing of Kirk and Spock in what I presume to be the throes of pon farr. Black background, white flame, figures that are almost silhouettes but not quite. Spock's head is thrust back, pelvis thrust forward against Kirk. Kirk's hands firmly gripping Spock's ass. The figures seen to leap off the page, and in fact, do escape the borders of the picture. Wonderful dynamics, contrast. Exquisite!"

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  The Way of the Warrior #8 (1995)

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  from Within the Mirror #10

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  from Within the Mirror #10

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  from Scattered Stars #7 - "The covers to SS7 are quite simple yet striking. They remind me of early pen & ink [Gayle F's], but are companion pieces by DEW and Deeb. Deeb's 1991 front Spock has touches of rose and gold while DEW's 1993 back Kirk has gold and green. Both sport sexy earrings. I wish their eyes had been open in the drawings." (1995)

1996

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  from Within the Mirror #11 (1996)

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  from Within the Mirror #11 (1996)

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  from Kaleidoscope #4 (1996)

1997

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  from T'hy'la #18, Deeb -- "This artist has always had a thing for long-haired warrior Spocks. Good thing, too, because so have I. And this one is a beauty! A marvelous rendition complete with bared chest, pierced ear, painted eyes and thigh-high boots. (Briana, take note!) Gorgeous and sexy! You can do these forever, Deeb, and I'd love each and every one. . Another fan said: "Stunning color piece showing an exotic Spock dressed in a sensual blue (take-me-to-the-casbah) outfit, complete with thigh-high black boots and a slit-to-there vest Heart be still. He's also wearing totally gorgeous eyeshadow (one of my favorite things on Spock — especially in the series!) and holding what looks like a glass of wine. I describe this, not because you can't see it for yourself, but because all the detail is so beautiful and so imaginative. I love the pillows and the fur (faux, I’m sure ) rug he's sitting on. Even the little bit of mosaic tile floor that we see. And those neat weapons adorning the walls, or maybe curtains as it could be a tent out there in the Vulcan desert. This artwork was done using watercolor and I know just how unbelievably hard watercolor is to work with. Deeb has used it to perfection with vibrant colors and strong blacks that make this one of my personal faves. I would love to know the title of this beautiful piece.

1998

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  fronm Amazing Grace 'Best of the 'Net K/S Sampler' (1998)

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  Kaleidoscope #7 (1998)

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  Kaleidoscope #8 (1998)

1999

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  from Beyond Dreams #1 (1999) - "I liked this intriguing portrait the minute I saw it. In "Crystal Dreams" we see a long-haired Spock holding a small crystal ball which contains an image of a sleeping, shirtless, and seemingly very innocent Kirk. Spock, on the other hand, is smiling knowingly (almost wickedly!) with his eyes and mouth, and he's wearing what might be just another elegant Vulcan meditation robe were it not for the fact that the robe is cut low enough to show off nicely defined collar bones and a hint of dark chest hair. This is definitely not the Spock we see every day: instead, it almost feels as if we're being given a glimpse at Spock's inner fantasy life. Is he dreaming of casting spells over a sleeping Jim Kirk? Of holding Jim's future in his hand? Of being able to watch Jim all the time? Whatever is going on, this not-so-innocent, almost sorcerer-like Spock definitely has some fascinating plans in mind for his innocently sleeping captain, and he seems to be enjoying the opportunity to tantalize us as well with that dark, knowing gaze which jumps right off the page and into the viewer's eyes."" Also, "What an unusual drawing! Spock is holding a crystal ball that contains an image of Kirk sleeping...and our favorite Vulcan is looking out at the viewer while smiling a most mysterious smile. I love the long-hair (Deeb draws long-haired Spocks so very well), and the hint of magic. Makes you wonder just what’s going in that complicated mind of his. This piece definitely cries out for a story to go with it. How about it, Deeb? Know any good writers out there?" Also, "Done by one of K/S fandom’s top artists, this gorgeous drawing captivated me from the moment I saw it. I was privileged to be able to have seen the original and it’s a beauty. I adore the mysteriousness—what is Spock doing with this crystal ball? And so sexy to have a naked Kirk asleep within it. And Spock’s expression is wonderful! I read in all kinds of things like “Bet you wish you had him!” I love Spock’s hands and their gesture as he gently holds the crystal ball. I love the slightly off the shoulder robe and the designed sleeves. I just can’t say enough about this piece—definitely one of my very favorite of Deeb’s." }}

2001

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  cover of Festival, titled "Rescue"

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  from Festival, titled "Once Before I Die," - "Kirk holding a wounded Spock close.... For Spock h/c fans it doesn’t get much better than this! Deeb’s talent is in the details: a torn shirt, that stubborn curl on Kirk’s forehead, the look of loving concern on the captain’s face, the look of devotion on Spock’s. This artist always knows how to pluck at my heartstrings!" Also, "A stunning Deeb drawing that I can’t believe I’ve missed until now. It might have something to do with my 627 unread zines, but what can I say? This is so beautiful—I could stare at it for a long time imagining the emotions going on between them as Spock holds Kirk in his arms. I happen to glance at the accompanying page of text and I saw a description of the pose and Spock has been injured. His eyes are closed and his uniform sleeve is torn. I love the soft placement of Spock’s hand beside Kirk’s head. I love everything about the drawing except for the title. If I were to title it, it’d be “Spock with Flowers” or something.

2005

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  "Rescued and Rescuer" from In the Shade (2005)

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  "Incontrovertible Evidence" from In the Shade (2005)

2010

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  from The K/S Art Project, "Oasis" -- "A wildly romantic vision of a very young Kirk and Spock kissing under a waterfall. I love Deeb‘s illos of our heroes before death and rebirth and age have mellowed them somewhat. The joy of young love in all its glory and innocence and it‘s always spring. Aah...."

2016

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  from Devotion