Dean was born in Tucson and has spent most of his life in the seven western states. He was involved in agriculture in Northern California for thirty years. Before retiring in 2016, he spent nine years working for the USAF in Spokane Washington. He retired at that time and moved to Phoenix where he now lives and creates his art.

Living in the western states has allowed him to meet and interact with many Native American people. Their art, their culture, their history and their struggles are the things that influence his art. His artwork creations are made of wood, using wood burning techniques and India inks to embellish the sculptures.