Today we’d like to introduce you to Johnathan Derry.
Johnathan, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I am an artist/sculptor and educator. I have been a working artist for over 25 years living predominantly in southern New England and currently have studio in Pawtucket, RI. I have exhibited widely and I am presently a member of the Boston Sculptors Gallery, the premier gallery for sculptors and sculpture in New England. I teach sculpture in the Visual & Performing Arts department at Clark University.
I received my BFA from Parsons School of Design and my MFA from Rhode Island School of Design. Since earning my undergraduate degree, I have owned a restaurant on Martha’s Vineyard, co-created and ran the Somerville Open Studios, which has become the largest open studio venue in New England, went back to school to earn my MFA, started a teaching career, maintain a studio practice where I produce my artwork as well as various woodworking commissions such as a privacy booth for Industry Labs in Cambridge, MA. Exhibit regularly and sell my work to private individuals and collectors like Brown University.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I am interested in exploring the social, cultural and personal implications of using found and domestic objects in my Sculpture.
My work sources from the objects and detritus that are the residue of our material world. I offset this with more classically sculptural forms such as figurative elements like human limbs. The work has often a paradoxical relationship between material and message and notions of tragic and comic. This is represented through a series of sculptural narratives that a viewer interprets based on his or her personal understanding of the materials, or through cultural and symbolic references.
How do you think about success, as an artist, and what do quality do you feel is most helpful?
We all have to come up with our own definitions of success particularly when it pertains to being an artist. The pervasive narrative is the “struggling artist”. If we want to produce generations of creative people, we need to redefine what success looks like. For me, maintaining a study practice where I can produce and exhibit my work. To be able to share my knowledge and commitment to art with students and to maintain a family life.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I am an exhibiting member of the Boston Sculptors Gallery, www.bostonsculptors.com, with a show coming up this May, 2018. I also have a website, www.johnathanderry.com. You can follow me on Instagram at johnathan_derry, Facebook and Twitter @jedathon. Most of my work is for sale and I can be contacted through any of these sites.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.johnathanderry.com
- Email: johnathanderry@hotmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnathan_derry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnathan.derry.9
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/jedathon
Image Credit:
Johnathan Derry
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