David Derr, Special Guest Speaker
Artist David Derr took us on a fascinating journey, called “Art & Archetype: The Poetry of Artistic Expression,” when he addressed our Personal Giving Thank-You Brunch on Sunday morning, June 3, at a private home in Denville. The event, which began at 10 a.m., was open to everyone who made a donation to our Personal Giving campaign, co-chaired by Dorothy Cohen and Anne Gorman.
“My goal has always been to create works that contain the essence of good poetry,” said David, who complements his fine art pieces with graphic design work. “I find the most effective way to do this is by using a pseudo-primitive style that, on the surface, seems simple, but in reality resonates with our deeper emotions.”
Dreams & Promises (oil on linen), by David Derr
The Rockaway resident fills each piece with subjects from music, dance, myths, mysticism, science and everyday life. He pointed out, “I create pieces that will have the ability to have a lasting conversation with the collector and the public—a conversation that can take different and unexpected directions from my original intent. When a work leaves my hand, it takes on a life of its own, creating a conversation that is between the piece and the viewer. Each one brings their own mysteries.”
David began drawing at age six, copying Peanuts cartoons and sketching trees in his backyard. Even at that time, he was developing an impressionistic style. He attended the Art Students League in New York, where he studied life drawing and printmaking. Eventually, he branched out into graphic design and mixed media. His work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the country and abroad, and his pieces have appeared in magazines and newspapers, books, and online.