Artist Spotlight: Clark Derbes

Born in New Orleans and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Clark Derbes earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Louisiana State University in 2002. Now a resident of Burlington, Vermont, Derbes enjoys pursuing true creative freedom by devoting himself to constant experimentation. For example, inspired by farm-stands and roadside sellers common in rural New England, Derbes fabricated an ‘art farm-stand’ at the end of his driveway where he regularly displayed artwork in a wide variety of styles, genres and media. What began as an unusual approach to exhibition quickly became a focus in the artist’s career and although the ‘art farm-stand’ project has now concluded, it affirms the artist’s unique approach to his calling. His work has been included in galleries and exhibitions in 11 states. In addition, he has contributed to public art in Louisiana and Vermont by creating 15 murals both as a solo artist and as a collaborator with others.

Derbes is most known for his poly-chromed, dynamic wooden sculpture, taking wood from a variety of tree species including elm, poplar, and maple, before beginning the long and arduous process of sanding and painting and burnishing each form with unique and intricate designs. This exhibit features some of these chainsaw-carved and poly-chromed pieces alongside several new large columnar sculptures that were carved with a hatchet, drawknife, and a handsaw. With their soft geometry, these works anthropomorphize the materiality of wood. A multitude of saw marks and hatchet blows are visible on the surface of several pieces.

The work exhibited here expresses Derbes’ connection to nature. Using pattern, shape and scale what were once trees are now being experienced as forms of space.