Colorful, abstract painting inspired by Frank Stella in rainbow and pastel encaustic
"Curves I", made by VT based artist, Clark Derbes, in 2024
36 x 48 x 2 inches with walnut striping on the sides (additional framing is optional)
Signed, lower right
Excellent Condition, ready to hang
In "Curves I", Vermont based artist Clark Derbes expresses the power of line and color in a range of vivid encaustics on panel. The series is painted free-hand, allowing gestural brushwork to counteract with structured patterns. The quick-drying encaustic lends an impasto surface, while delicate drips of paint add further textural interest. The sides have thin wood stripping, so the work is ready to hang as is.
Clark Derbes is best known for his poly-chromed, dynamic wooden sculptures. These works are carved from tree species including elm, poplar, and maple before beginning the long process of sanding, painting and burnishing each form with unique and intricate designs. With soft geometry and multitude of tool marks, these works anthropomorphize the materiality of wood. In addition to the practice of creating wood sculptures, Derbes has recently returned to painting with encaustic and oil. These paintings undulate between abstraction and representation, highlighting bold linework and joyful exploration of color.
From growing up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to raising children in rural Vermont, Derbes has constantly been working towards finding balance between true creative freedom and providing for his family. Inspired by roadside sellers, Derbes created an ‘art farm stand’ at the end of his former driveway where he regularly displayed modest artworks in a wide variety of styles, genres and mediums, selling to collectors near and far.
Born 1978, New Orleans, LA
Lives and works in Burlington, VT
Education
2002 Bachelor of Fine Arts – Louisiana State University
Solo and Two-Person Exhibitions
2022
Martine Chaisson Gallery “Dance Moves”, New Orleans, LA
Clark Gallery, “ Recent Sculpture”, Lincoln, Mass.
2021
Scott Miller Projects, “When Woods We Pass”, w/ Ross Taylor, Birmingham, AL
Hall Art Foundation, “Time Travelers and Portals”, South Reading, VT
2020
Paris London Hong Kong, “Art-Farmstand Works”, curated by Jason Pickleman, Chicago, IL
2019
Schoolhouse Gallery, Provincetown, Mass
2017
Ava Gallery, “Self-Commissioned”, Lebanon, NH
Christine Price Gallery, “Recent Works”, Castleton University, Castleton, VT 2016
“Frozen Territory”, w/ Paul Kremer , Eugene Binder Gallery, Marfa, TX "Square Dance", Devin
Borden Gallery, Houston, TX
“Recent Work”, BCA Center, Burlington, VT
2014
"The Doors of Perception", Marcia Wood Gallery, Atlanta, GA "American Sculpture", Clark
Gallery, Lincoln, MA
"American Sculpture", Devin Borden Gallery, Houston, TX 2013
Martine Chaisson Gallery, New Orleans, La West Branch Gallery, Stowe, VT
Johnson State College, Didben Center for the Arts, Johnson, VT 2012
Red Bud Gallery, Houston, TX
Helen Day Art Center, Stowe, VT
2009
BCA Center, Burlington, VT
2008
JDK Gallery, Burlington, VT
2007
Jenkins Connelly, New Orleans, LA
2005
Ann Connelly Fine Art, Baton Rouge, LA
2022
“Mountains at Collioure”, curated by Jared Quinton, White River Junction, VT 2020
“Three Sided Square”, Marcia Wood Gallery, Atlanta, Georgia
2019
“Made in Vermont” Hall Art Foundation, Reading Vermont
Schoolhouse Gallery, Provincetown, Mass
Devin Borden Gallery, Houston, TX
2018
Schoolhouse Gallery, Provincetown, Mass
Devin Borden Gallery, Houston, TX
Baton Rouge Gallery, Baton Rouge, LA
2017
Page Bond Gallery, “Sunscreen” Page Bond Gallery, Richmond, VA
Carole Calo Gallery, “SuperGems” , Stone Hill College, Easton, Mass
2016
Devin Borden Gallery, Houston, TX
Galveston Art Center, New Beginnings: The Shape of Things to Come, Galveston, TX Scope
New York, Clark Gallery, Lincoln, MA
2015
"Art in America", Tiger Strikes Asteroid, Miami Art Week
Scope Miami, Clark Gallery
"In Grain", Fleming Museum, UVM, Burlington, VT
Airlock Gallery, LUX Art Institute, Encinitas, CA
Schoolhouse Gallery, Provincetown, Mass
"August Geometry", Marcia Wood Gallery, Atlanta, GA
Left Field SLO, "Inaugural Show" San Luis Obispo, CA
"Go Big", Devin Borden Gallery, Houston, TX
2014
"Abstract 2" , Marcia Wood Gallery, Atlanta, GA
2013
Devin Borden Gallery, Houston TX
Schoolhouse Gallery, Provincetown, MA
"Color Collision" Clark Gallery, Lincoln, MA
2012 Martine Chaisson Gallery, New Orleans, LA
“The Architectural Prism” ArtCurrents, NYC,NY
23rd annual Juried Exhibition, Contemporary Arts Center, Las Vegas, NV
West Branch Gallery, Stowe, VT
2011
Schoolhouse Gallery, Provincetown, MA
“Wood”, Higgins Art Gallery, Cape Cod Community College, Truro, MA “Collection of Michael
Robinson and Don Boutte”, L.A.S.M., Baton Rouge, LA 2010
“Summer Show” Schoolhouse Gallery, Provincetown, MA “Measuring and Collecting” Montanaro
Contemporary, Newport, R.I. 2009 “New/Now” Schoolhouse Gallery, Provincetown, MA
2008
“Prospect One” Loyola University Art Gallery, New Orleans, LA
2007
“New Geometries” Loyola University Art Gallery, New Orleans, LA
2006
“Calacas" Art Car Museum, Houston, TX
2005
“Money Show” L.S.U.