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Category Archives: artist
A special announcement!
The Y.E.S. crew and I are finally ready to unveil our installation with a message of empowering beyond racism!
Best memories of my dad
My fondest memories with my dad are of our bi-weekly trips to the comic book store in the late ’80s through the ’90s. Early in my childhood I would read Dad’s old DC and Marvel comics over and over, but I loved using my allowance to purchase comics of my own. My love of comic books initially inspired me to draw, later paint, enroll in art school and study abroad, and eventually become an art teacher. Thanks, Dad!
Happy Father’s Day to all of the dads who deserve to celebrate!
Saying goodbye is hard to do
Getting excited in the middle of a ceramic lesson!
Saying goodbye is never easy to do, not when you’ve shared such success with amazing students, both talented, lively, and eager to learn. But, unfortunately, weeks ago I notified the education department of the New Art Center that I would be leaving the NAC at the end of the current term. I’ve needed a change for a few months and I think focusing more on my art and social work is where my heart lies. I still plan on teaching a class or two open to the public in the future, but possibly closer to my home in Boston. I cannot thank enough the wonderful support youth, adults, and families have shown me as both an educator and teen program coordinator. I’m also grateful to the center for allowing me to teach so many fun art-related courses this past year. It’s been a blast!
Stepping out
I was lucky enough to be invited to the grand opening of the new Davio’s Cucina and Showcase Cinema de Lux in Chestnut Hill, just outside Boston. Amazing food and a terrific viewing experience makes the short drive all the … Continue reading
Surround yourself
“If you aren’t surrounded by creative people, it’s easy to fall into really boring repetitive pockets of energy and blandness.” – Nomi Ruiz, singer, songwriter, & performer
My life.
My alter-ego
StevenDerrick at the C&S Gallery in Boston, standing here in front of, “Buddha Glam”.
It started on a whim as an ode to some of my favorite artists who became well-known celebrities due to their outrageous personalities, but years ago, just as I was graduating college, I invented my alter-ego, StevenDerrick. I was looking to get noticed among the hundreds of young artists fighting for the spotlight. A little bronzer, a pair of aviator shades, some flamboyance and a slightly smug attitude brought the character to life. It started as a joke, one friends and crowds really got into, as StevenDerrick became the life of the party, with a sharp retort for everything. Slowly though, it seemed StevenDerrick took on a life of his own, and his — well my — art, took a back seat and was no longer the focus. When I made the decision to leave Miami and move back to Boston, StevenDerrick retired — or died — the reports are conflicted, but you get the idea.
Two nights ago, however, StevenDerrick made a brief comeback to speak at an intimate event dedicated to art and mentorship. His return came just as his origin, a whim! It was a lot of fun to switch between the character and myself and I appreciated the energy the crowd fed me. Perhaps we’ll see more of StevenDerrick in the future, but for now I’m content just being me and letting my art speak for itself.
Steven talking about his art and the importance of mentorship.
StevenDerrick, posing in front of, “Fists On the Pulse”, 2008.
SWart Studio on Facebook
If you haven’t already, please look to the right of this post and hit, “Like”, for the SWart Studio Facebook page. There you’ll find music and quotes that inspire Steven’s work, as well as updates not regularly found on the website. Thank you for your support. We can absolutely change the world through art!
Blueprint of final installation design
The YES team and Steven are constructing a 24′ installation that speaks out against racism! Click on the image to be brought to the YES for Change website.
SWart Studio 