Press Releases
____2010-2011
David Derr Conducts Art Class for Kids at Artwalk Nyack
Teaching some of the fine points of art to local children highlighted David Derr’s return to ArtWalk Nyack 2011. The theme of this year’s event was “A Tribute to Edward Hopper” honoring the acclaimed artist as well as the 40th anniversary of Edward Hopper House Art Center. The show boasted thirty artists in residence at local businesses during the weekend of June 17 through June 19.
Derr showcased a selection of his works at Eyevolution Optique and spent Sunday afternoon interacting with eager children as they worked with crayons, chalk and other art materials. Derr commented, "I wasn't sure what I was getting into since I had never taught children before. However it turned out to be an exciting and fun afternoon for the children, their parents (who joined in) and me. Art is a universal language and like music has the ability to cross age and cultural differences."
An internationally exhibited artist Derr employs a wide cross section of artistic disciplines includingtraditional and digital painting, mixed media, assemblages and photography. His works have recently been displayed at the European Council of International Schools in Nice, France; as well as exhibitions in Spain,the Czech Republic, Germany and the United Kingdom. Mr. Derr has won numerous awards including: the Adobe Digital Imaging Competition, International. Digital Mural Competition and NY Art Director's Club. He has been featured in Gallery and Studio Magazine, Photoshop User, and Digital Fine Arts Magazine as well as numerous online exhibitions and websites.
Making Cool Stuff from Old Junk
Internationally exhibited artist and Morris County resident David Derr loves to take second hand “stuff” and repurpose it
into iconic folk art objects that can be proudly displayed in your home. Reclaiming “old junk” that can be found in places
like garage sales, second hand shops and antique malls ties into the "Green" movement and illustrates
how otherwise discarded objects can take on new life.
This form of art or “assemblages” can be created by an award winning professional like Mr. Derr or people who just enjoy
creating “something from nothing.” As Mr. Derr states, “With some artistic direction, it is amazing what some one
with a good eye for color and texture can accomplish.”
Mr. Derr also employs a wide cross section of artistic disciplines including traditional and digital painting, mixed media,
and photography. His works have recently been displayed at the European Council of International Schools in Nice, France;
and Art Expo in New York City. .
Mr. Derr has won numerous awards including: the Adobe Digital Imaging Competition, International. Digital Mural Competition
and NY Art Director's Club. He has been featured in Gallery and Studio Magazine, Photoshop User, and
Digital Fine Arts Magazine as well as numerous online exhibitions and websites.
In 2009, he created the logo for the 17th Annual New Jersey Storytelling Festival. That work now serves as the permanent and official symbol in all marketing and promotional efforts. Art by Mr. Derr also helped the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra launch its Art Strings 2009 campaign during an event held at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark.
New Works
Assemblages
The summer allowed me time to do some serious playing with new assemblages. From top to bottom:
1. The Heart is the Eye of the Soul
2. Bourdon 16
3. Without a Net
People have asked me how I can make my paintings and assemblages have the same feel. To me the process is the same, looking around my environment and envisioning new combinations that touch a chord deep within our being, be that joy, reflection on things often not mentioned or just plain fun. Besides they all come from that odd perspective othewise known as my brain.
Derr to Exhibit at GAGA Arts Festival 2011
Internationally exhibited artist David Derr of D2 Studios will be featured for the sixth year at the renowned GAGA Arts Festival in Garnerville, NY on April 30 and May 1, 2011. At this year’s show Derr who excels in painting, graphic arts and assemblages will have some of his newest creations on display including cutting-edge digital works. Also exhibiting in the same booth this year will be Debra Hulse-Derr showcasing a selection of fine hand-made jewelry for all occasions and tastes. GAGA Arts is billed as the lower Hudson Valley’s premier arts festival and the 2011 edition certainly should not disappoint the almost 5000 people who attend every year.
Situated in a Civil War era textile mill just a short distance outside New York City there will be open artist studios & demonstrations, live music, crafts bazaar children’s workshops, film, dance, Creekside Sculpture Trail exhibitions and a variety of foods...
The Dye Works Gallery - Featuring 20 talented craft vendors, an array of talented singer/songwriters, and delicacies such as organic coffees, teas, pastries and wine at the GAGA Coffeehouse.
GAGA Creekside: Nature Walk and Sculpture Trail - Including "Ted's Giant Head", the largest stonehead ever made by nationally recognized 'outsider artist', Ted Ludwiczak; plus horticultural tours with the Clarkstown Garden Club, environmental demonstrations.
Live Music and Dance - Indoors and out, talented musicians, young and old, will perform throughout the weekend, including the students of Westchester County's renowned Lagond Music School and Grammy Award-winning artist Wayne Cobham. Dance performances include Brazilian Capoeira, Butoh, Chiku Awali African Dance, Modern Dance and Moving Mantras.
Multi-Media Installations - Artistic video and film projections will be featured throughout the historic campus.
Live Demonstrations - Including glass blowing, jewelry making, ceramics, wool spinning, yoga and dog agility.
Kids' Activities - Art and dance workshops, plus children's yoga, homemade instrument building, "Tricks Are My Trade" magic show, Earth Day plant potting workshop with Clarkstown Garden Club and the roving puppetry of Hudson Vagabond Puppets.
GAGA is located at the Garnerville Arts & Industrial Center, 55 Railroad Avenue, Garnerville, NY 10923 in the Village of West Haverstraw, Rockland County. For directions and additional information, visit: www.gagaartscenter.org; call 845-947-7108, or email gaga@garnervillearts
Derr Assemblage to be Featured at WHIMSY Art Exhibit, Morristown, NJ
September 10, 2010 — 5:30-7:30 PM
The Gallery at 14 Maple Avenue, Morristown, NJ
Morris County-based artist David Derr will have one of his creations featured at an exhibit sponsored by the Arts Council of the Morris Area. The opening reception for WHIMSY is scheduled for September 10, 2010 and will be held at The Gallery at 14 Maple Avenue in Morristown, NJ from 5:30-7:30 PM.
This event is a juried exhibition that includes 33 works from 29 artists who live or work in New Jersey. All of the art work on display is meant to convey the "whimsy" inherent in the world.
Mr. Derr’s offering is entitled Dart Fish and is his "light-hearted interpretation of the first amphibian to take a stroll out of the water onto dry earth." The piece is an assemblage composed of Victorian furniture legs, the back of old chairs glued together to make the fish body, custom made darts with real turkey feather fins, glass doll eyes, and recycled granite.
WHIMSY will be open to the public at the Morristown location until February 9, 2011. Exhibit hours are Monday thought Thursday from 10 AM to 4 PM and Friday from 10 AM to 1 PM.
Mr. Derr employs a wide cross section of artistic disciplines including traditional and digital painting, mixed media, assemblages and photography. His works have recently been displayed at the European Council of International Schools in Nice, France; and Art Expo in New York City and will be exhibiting in San Sebastian, Spain this fall.
Mr. Derr has won numerous awards including: the Adobe Digital Imaging Competition, International. Digital Mural Competition and NY Art Director's Club. He has been featured in Gallery and Studio Magazine, Photoshop User, and Digital Fine Arts Magazine as well as numerous online exhibitions and websites.
David Derr of D2 Studios to be featured at GAGA Arts Festival
Morris County artist David Derr will exhibit a selection of his works on Saturday, May 1 and Sunday, May 2 from 11 AM to 6 PM at the Garnerville Arts Festival in Garnerville, NY.
Situated in a Civil War era textile mill in Rockland County, the event annually draws nearly 5000 visitors from the tri-state region to this location just a short distance outside New York City.
There will be dozens of open studios, music, food, plus live artistic and environmental demonstrations.
Once you've experienced this event you'll return year after year.
For complete information call David at 973-442-8300 or visit www.gagaartscenter.org.
2009
Current Exhibitions
GAGA Arts Festival 2009
May 2-3, 2009
Mr. Derr will be featuring a variety of his latest works at the GAGAArts Festival in Garnerville, NY. This event has become a staple on the arts scene in the lower Hudson Valley and regularly draws over 5000 visitors.GAGA Arts is a popular destinationfor talented artists while the public enjoys open studios, music, food, and live demonstrations of skilled artisans. For additional information call 845-947-7108.
Designer Scarves
Mr. Derr has released twenty of his original digital artworks for use in a collection of signed limited edition silk scarves. The exclusive licensing
agreement with Designer Scarves by Marlena allows for purchase of these items over the internet at www.designerscarvesbymarlena.com
or through Mr.Derr's website www.d2studios.com. The scarves will be available in two types of silk and three different weights. Designer Scarves by Marlena is headquartered in Orlando, FL and creates all their works of art on site. The company markets their products internationally and boasts a roster of noted artists from around the world. The scarves combine sheer silk and limited editions of fine art and photography to create unique wearable art unavailable anywhere else. Each scarf is also suitable to be displayed as framed art.
Upcoming Exhibitions
Pomona Cultural Center · October - December 2009
Mr. Derr will be one of three featured artists in the fall show at the Pomona Cultural Center. The show will also feature the sculptures of the modern
realist sculptor Martin Glick and the paintings of Ukrainian artist Igor Zaytsev. The reception wil be on October 4, from 5-8 pm at the Pomona Cultural Center, Pomona, NY 10970. Gallery Hours: Friday-Sunday from 2-6pm
Garnerworld · October 16 - November 15, 2009
David has been invited to contribute work to the 75th Anniversary Exhibit of the Garnerville Holding Company. The Garnerville Arts and Industrial Center is a pre-civil war mill complex with a rich and vibrant history. This exhibition is a celebration of the place and people who find inspiration in the myriad aspects of this special and unique site. The exhibit, spanning two galleries, presents remarkable images, installations, paintings and sculptures by some of the region’s finest artists. A Gala Reception/Fundraiser will be held on Friday, October 16 @ 6pm with a public reception on Friday, October 23, 6pm to 9pm.
Art Walk Nyack · June 18 - 21, 2009
This year we honor the Quadrecentennial with the vast talent of 23 artists set up in the shops throughout the Village and a poster by David Derr. Riverspace will produce our kick-off event Friday, June 19th from 6 to 7 PM when they will unveil “Half Moon,” an original oil painting by Nyack artist John Beerman. This is the painting that The American Heritage Rivers Alliance will present to President Obama in the fall. A unique experience, visitors may interact with the Artists, purchase their art, shop the stores, dine in our wonderful restaurants while enjoying our diverse culture. For more info visit: www.nyackmerchants.org.
EuroNanoForum 2009 - Prague, Czech Republic
June 2 - 5, 2009
Mr. Derr has been asked to contribute one of his entries from this years NanoArt21 to this “by invitation only” art exhibition. This conference is part of a set of international nanotechnology conferences organized within the framework of national Presidencies of the European Union. It will be a 4-day conference taking place from 2nd to 5th of June 2009, at the Prague Congress Centre, as an official event of the Czech Presidency, under the auspices of the Czech Ministry for Education Youth and Sports and with the support of the Industrial Technologies Programme of the European Commission.
Licensing
Thirty-five of Derr’s works have been licensed to Auralex Acoustics for inclusion in their Independent Artists initiative. Auralex is a premier manufacturer of acoustic panels that combine superior acoustic technology with high-end artistic style.
Derr's digital work Crucifixus has been licensed to Augsburg Fortress the publishing house of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Renderings of Mr. Derr’s art are now featured on merchandise including posters, t-shirts, cards and calendars. They can be purchased from the Cafepress at www.cafepress.com/d2studios and Zazzle www.zazzle.com/d2studios.
Current Exhibitions
Two of Mr. Derr’s works are included in an exhibition entitled "Love Art" at the
Rivergarden Gallery in Denville, NJ. The show runs until March 1, 2009.
For more infomation visit www.rivergardengallery.com
Four of Mr. Derr’s digital works are included in The 2008 International Nano Art
Competition. For more information visit http://nanoart21.org.
New Works
Dreams and Promises
Oil on Linen — 36 x 48
Mr. Derr utilizes an image of a Maasai moran wearing a enkuraru head dress for the eunuto ceremony. During this rite a warrior who has not yet killed a lion passes from senior warrior to junior elder status.
The headdress is in an almond shape that symbolizes the feminine in the universe and a rebirth. Hence there is a dream element, a dream of a brighter future. The floating figures also suggest a dream state. Each figure has its own symbolism for the artist but is open to interpretation by anyone. The man in the background represents a salesman or a dream seller, making promises he cannot always keep. This is a clear analogy to big business and also agents for artists. In many ways this piece is also a political analogy.
2008
The Painted violin for NJSO (New Jersey Symphony Orchestra)
Art Strings combines the visual and performing arts to raise funds for the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra's (NJSO) extensive education programs. David is one of ten local artists who were commissioned to create and embellish these violins, drawing from a musical program or work from the NJSO 2008-09 season. These transformed violins are currently being displayed at NJSO concerts and other selected venues throughout New Jersey. For more information on the Art Strings program visit www.njsymphony.org/supportnjso/ArtStrings.htm
The inspirations for this violin come from the NJSO's season opening program, and elements from each composition are included in the design. The main inspiration is Mussorsky's 'Pictures at an Exhibition.' The violin is made to look like a Russian enamel box and most of the imagery comes from this piece.
David's goal has always been to create works that contain the essences of good poetry. He findsthe most effective method is to use a pseudo primitive style, which on the surface seems simple, but in reality resonates deeper emotions. These images reach beyond the surface and touch the very essence of the object represented. David fills each piece with subjects that contain layers of meaning, which is integral to lasting art.
The 2nd Annual Nano Art Festival
NanoArt21 was held in Stuttgart, Germany
November 1-30, 2008 and was hosted by
NAHVISION Institute for International Culture Exchange.
Eight artists from around the globe were selected to participate at this invitational event which featured two pieces by David Derr. NanoArt is a new art discipline at the art-science-technology intersections. It features nanolandscapes (molecular and atomic landscapes which are natural structures of matter at molecular and atomic scales) and nanosculptures (structures created by scientists and artists by manipulating matter at molecular and atomic scales using chemical and physical processes). These structures are visualized with powerful research tools like scanning electron
microscopes and atomic force microscopes and their scientific images are captured and further processed by using different artistic techniques to convert them into artworks showcased for large audiences.
NanoArt is the expression of the New Technological Revolution reflecting the transition from Science to Art using Technology and could be for the 21st Century what Photography was for the 20th Century. For more info visit www.nanoart21.org
David Derr Conducts Art Class for Kids at Artwalk Nyack
Teaching some of the fine points of art to local children highlighted David Derr’s return to ArtWalk Nyack 2011. The theme of this year’s event was “A Tribute to Edward Hopper” honoring the acclaimed artist as well as the 40th anniversary of Edward Hopper House Art Center. The show boasted thirty artists in residence at local businesses during the weekend of June 17 through June 19.
Derr showcased a selection of his works at Eyevolution Optique and spent Sunday afternoon interacting with eager children as they worked with crayons, chalk and other art materials. Derr commented, "I wasn't sure what I was getting into since I had never taught children before. However it turned out to be an exciting and fun afternoon for the children, their parents (who joined in) and me. Art is a universal language and like music has the ability to cross age and cultural differences."
An internationally exhibited artist Derr employs a wide cross section of artistic disciplines includingtraditional and digital painting, mixed media, assemblages and photography. His works have recently been displayed at the European Council of International Schools in Nice, France; as well as exhibitions in Spain,the Czech Republic, Germany and the United Kingdom. Mr. Derr has won numerous awards including: the Adobe Digital Imaging Competition, International. Digital Mural Competition and NY Art Director's Club. He has been featured in Gallery and Studio Magazine, Photoshop User, and Digital Fine Arts Magazine as well as numerous online exhibitions and websites.
Making Cool Stuff from Old Junk
Internationally exhibited artist and Morris County resident David Derr loves to take second hand “stuff” and repurpose it
into iconic folk art objects that can be proudly displayed in your home. Reclaiming “old junk” that can be found in places
like garage sales, second hand shops and antique malls ties into the "Green" movement and illustrates
how otherwise discarded objects can take on new life.
This form of art or “assemblages” can be created by an award winning professional like Mr. Derr or people who just enjoy
creating “something from nothing.” As Mr. Derr states, “With some artistic direction, it is amazing what some one
with a good eye for color and texture can accomplish.”
Mr. Derr also employs a wide cross section of artistic disciplines including traditional and digital painting, mixed media,
and photography. His works have recently been displayed at the European Council of International Schools in Nice, France;
and Art Expo in New York City. .
Mr. Derr has won numerous awards including: the Adobe Digital Imaging Competition, International. Digital Mural Competition
and NY Art Director's Club. He has been featured in Gallery and Studio Magazine, Photoshop User, and
Digital Fine Arts Magazine as well as numerous online exhibitions and websites.
In 2009, he created the logo for the 17th Annual New Jersey Storytelling Festival. That work now serves as the permanent and official symbol in all marketing and promotional efforts. Art by Mr. Derr also helped the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra launch its Art Strings 2009 campaign during an event held at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark.
New Works
Assemblages
The summer allowed me time to do some serious playing with new assemblages. From top to bottom:
1. The Heart is the Eye of the Soul
2. Bourdon 16
3. Without a Net
People have asked me how I can make my paintings and assemblages have the same feel. To me the process is the same, looking around my environment and envisioning new combinations that touch a chord deep within our being, be that joy, reflection on things often not mentioned or just plain fun. Besides they all come from that odd perspective othewise known as my brain.
Derr to Exhibit at GAGA Arts Festival 2011
Internationally exhibited artist David Derr of D2 Studios will be featured for the sixth year at the renowned GAGA Arts Festival in Garnerville, NY on April 30 and May 1, 2011. At this year’s show Derr who excels in painting, graphic arts and assemblages will have some of his newest creations on display including cutting-edge digital works. Also exhibiting in the same booth this year will be Debra Hulse-Derr showcasing a selection of fine hand-made jewelry for all occasions and tastes. GAGA Arts is billed as the lower Hudson Valley’s premier arts festival and the 2011 edition certainly should not disappoint the almost 5000 people who attend every year.
Situated in a Civil War era textile mill just a short distance outside New York City there will be open artist studios & demonstrations, live music, crafts bazaar children’s workshops, film, dance, Creekside Sculpture Trail exhibitions and a variety of foods...
The Dye Works Gallery - Featuring 20 talented craft vendors, an array of talented singer/songwriters, and delicacies such as organic coffees, teas, pastries and wine at the GAGA Coffeehouse.
GAGA Creekside: Nature Walk and Sculpture Trail - Including "Ted's Giant Head", the largest stonehead ever made by nationally recognized 'outsider artist', Ted Ludwiczak; plus horticultural tours with the Clarkstown Garden Club, environmental demonstrations.
Live Music and Dance - Indoors and out, talented musicians, young and old, will perform throughout the weekend, including the students of Westchester County's renowned Lagond Music School and Grammy Award-winning artist Wayne Cobham. Dance performances include Brazilian Capoeira, Butoh, Chiku Awali African Dance, Modern Dance and Moving Mantras.
Multi-Media Installations - Artistic video and film projections will be featured throughout the historic campus.
Live Demonstrations - Including glass blowing, jewelry making, ceramics, wool spinning, yoga and dog agility.
Kids' Activities - Art and dance workshops, plus children's yoga, homemade instrument building, "Tricks Are My Trade" magic show, Earth Day plant potting workshop with Clarkstown Garden Club and the roving puppetry of Hudson Vagabond Puppets.
GAGA is located at the Garnerville Arts & Industrial Center, 55 Railroad Avenue, Garnerville, NY 10923 in the Village of West Haverstraw, Rockland County. For directions and additional information, visit: www.gagaartscenter.org; call 845-947-7108, or email gaga@garnervillearts
Derr Assemblage to be Featured at WHIMSY Art Exhibit, Morristown, NJ
September 10, 2010 — 5:30-7:30 PM
The Gallery at 14 Maple Avenue, Morristown, NJ
Morris County-based artist David Derr will have one of his creations featured at an exhibit sponsored by the Arts Council of the Morris Area. The opening reception for WHIMSY is scheduled for September 10, 2010 and will be held at The Gallery at 14 Maple Avenue in Morristown, NJ from 5:30-7:30 PM.
This event is a juried exhibition that includes 33 works from 29 artists who live or work in New Jersey. All of the art work on display is meant to convey the "whimsy" inherent in the world.
Mr. Derr’s offering is entitled Dart Fish and is his "light-hearted interpretation of the first amphibian to take a stroll out of the water onto dry earth." The piece is an assemblage composed of Victorian furniture legs, the back of old chairs glued together to make the fish body, custom made darts with real turkey feather fins, glass doll eyes, and recycled granite.
WHIMSY will be open to the public at the Morristown location until February 9, 2011. Exhibit hours are Monday thought Thursday from 10 AM to 4 PM and Friday from 10 AM to 1 PM.
Mr. Derr employs a wide cross section of artistic disciplines including traditional and digital painting, mixed media, assemblages and photography. His works have recently been displayed at the European Council of International Schools in Nice, France; and Art Expo in New York City and will be exhibiting in San Sebastian, Spain this fall.
Mr. Derr has won numerous awards including: the Adobe Digital Imaging Competition, International. Digital Mural Competition and NY Art Director's Club. He has been featured in Gallery and Studio Magazine, Photoshop User, and Digital Fine Arts Magazine as well as numerous online exhibitions and websites.
David Derr of D2 Studios to be featured at GAGA Arts Festival
Morris County artist David Derr will exhibit a selection of his works on Saturday, May 1 and Sunday, May 2 from 11 AM to 6 PM at the Garnerville Arts Festival in Garnerville, NY.
Situated in a Civil War era textile mill in Rockland County, the event annually draws nearly 5000 visitors from the tri-state region to this location just a short distance outside New York City.
There will be dozens of open studios, music, food, plus live artistic and environmental demonstrations.
Once you've experienced this event you'll return year after year.
For complete information call David at 973-442-8300 or visit www.gagaartscenter.org.
2009
Current Exhibitions
GAGA Arts Festival 2009
May 2-3, 2009
Mr. Derr will be featuring a variety of his latest works at the GAGAArts Festival in Garnerville, NY. This event has become a staple on the arts scene in the lower Hudson Valley and regularly draws over 5000 visitors.GAGA Arts is a popular destinationfor talented artists while the public enjoys open studios, music, food, and live demonstrations of skilled artisans. For additional information call 845-947-7108.
Designer Scarves
Mr. Derr has released twenty of his original digital artworks for use in a collection of signed limited edition silk scarves. The exclusive licensing
agreement with Designer Scarves by Marlena allows for purchase of these items over the internet at www.designerscarvesbymarlena.com
or through Mr.Derr's website www.d2studios.com. The scarves will be available in two types of silk and three different weights. Designer Scarves by Marlena is headquartered in Orlando, FL and creates all their works of art on site. The company markets their products internationally and boasts a roster of noted artists from around the world. The scarves combine sheer silk and limited editions of fine art and photography to create unique wearable art unavailable anywhere else. Each scarf is also suitable to be displayed as framed art.
Upcoming Exhibitions
Pomona Cultural Center · October - December 2009
Mr. Derr will be one of three featured artists in the fall show at the Pomona Cultural Center. The show will also feature the sculptures of the modern
realist sculptor Martin Glick and the paintings of Ukrainian artist Igor Zaytsev. The reception wil be on October 4, from 5-8 pm at the Pomona Cultural Center, Pomona, NY 10970. Gallery Hours: Friday-Sunday from 2-6pm
Garnerworld · October 16 - November 15, 2009
David has been invited to contribute work to the 75th Anniversary Exhibit of the Garnerville Holding Company. The Garnerville Arts and Industrial Center is a pre-civil war mill complex with a rich and vibrant history. This exhibition is a celebration of the place and people who find inspiration in the myriad aspects of this special and unique site. The exhibit, spanning two galleries, presents remarkable images, installations, paintings and sculptures by some of the region’s finest artists. A Gala Reception/Fundraiser will be held on Friday, October 16 @ 6pm with a public reception on Friday, October 23, 6pm to 9pm.
Art Walk Nyack · June 18 - 21, 2009
This year we honor the Quadrecentennial with the vast talent of 23 artists set up in the shops throughout the Village and a poster by David Derr. Riverspace will produce our kick-off event Friday, June 19th from 6 to 7 PM when they will unveil “Half Moon,” an original oil painting by Nyack artist John Beerman. This is the painting that The American Heritage Rivers Alliance will present to President Obama in the fall. A unique experience, visitors may interact with the Artists, purchase their art, shop the stores, dine in our wonderful restaurants while enjoying our diverse culture. For more info visit: www.nyackmerchants.org.
EuroNanoForum 2009 - Prague, Czech Republic
June 2 - 5, 2009
Mr. Derr has been asked to contribute one of his entries from this years NanoArt21 to this “by invitation only” art exhibition. This conference is part of a set of international nanotechnology conferences organized within the framework of national Presidencies of the European Union. It will be a 4-day conference taking place from 2nd to 5th of June 2009, at the Prague Congress Centre, as an official event of the Czech Presidency, under the auspices of the Czech Ministry for Education Youth and Sports and with the support of the Industrial Technologies Programme of the European Commission.
Licensing
Thirty-five of Derr’s works have been licensed to Auralex Acoustics for inclusion in their Independent Artists initiative. Auralex is a premier manufacturer of acoustic panels that combine superior acoustic technology with high-end artistic style.
Derr's digital work Crucifixus has been licensed to Augsburg Fortress the publishing house of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Renderings of Mr. Derr’s art are now featured on merchandise including posters, t-shirts, cards and calendars. They can be purchased from the Cafepress at www.cafepress.com/d2studios and Zazzle www.zazzle.com/d2studios.
Current Exhibitions
Two of Mr. Derr’s works are included in an exhibition entitled "Love Art" at the
Rivergarden Gallery in Denville, NJ. The show runs until March 1, 2009.
For more infomation visit www.rivergardengallery.com
Four of Mr. Derr’s digital works are included in The 2008 International Nano Art
Competition. For more information visit http://nanoart21.org.
New Works
Dreams and Promises
Oil on Linen — 36 x 48
Mr. Derr utilizes an image of a Maasai moran wearing a enkuraru head dress for the eunuto ceremony. During this rite a warrior who has not yet killed a lion passes from senior warrior to junior elder status.
The headdress is in an almond shape that symbolizes the feminine in the universe and a rebirth. Hence there is a dream element, a dream of a brighter future. The floating figures also suggest a dream state. Each figure has its own symbolism for the artist but is open to interpretation by anyone. The man in the background represents a salesman or a dream seller, making promises he cannot always keep. This is a clear analogy to big business and also agents for artists. In many ways this piece is also a political analogy.
2008
The Painted violin for NJSO (New Jersey Symphony Orchestra)
Art Strings combines the visual and performing arts to raise funds for the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra's (NJSO) extensive education programs. David is one of ten local artists who were commissioned to create and embellish these violins, drawing from a musical program or work from the NJSO 2008-09 season. These transformed violins are currently being displayed at NJSO concerts and other selected venues throughout New Jersey. For more information on the Art Strings program visit www.njsymphony.org/supportnjso/ArtStrings.htm
The inspirations for this violin come from the NJSO's season opening program, and elements from each composition are included in the design. The main inspiration is Mussorsky's 'Pictures at an Exhibition.' The violin is made to look like a Russian enamel box and most of the imagery comes from this piece.
David's goal has always been to create works that contain the essences of good poetry. He findsthe most effective method is to use a pseudo primitive style, which on the surface seems simple, but in reality resonates deeper emotions. These images reach beyond the surface and touch the very essence of the object represented. David fills each piece with subjects that contain layers of meaning, which is integral to lasting art.
The 2nd Annual Nano Art Festival
NanoArt21 was held in Stuttgart, Germany
November 1-30, 2008 and was hosted by
NAHVISION Institute for International Culture Exchange.
Eight artists from around the globe were selected to participate at this invitational event which featured two pieces by David Derr. NanoArt is a new art discipline at the art-science-technology intersections. It features nanolandscapes (molecular and atomic landscapes which are natural structures of matter at molecular and atomic scales) and nanosculptures (structures created by scientists and artists by manipulating matter at molecular and atomic scales using chemical and physical processes). These structures are visualized with powerful research tools like scanning electron
microscopes and atomic force microscopes and their scientific images are captured and further processed by using different artistic techniques to convert them into artworks showcased for large audiences.
NanoArt is the expression of the New Technological Revolution reflecting the transition from Science to Art using Technology and could be for the 21st Century what Photography was for the 20th Century. For more info visit www.nanoart21.org