APPRECIATING THE JOURNEY:

It all begins with a blank canvas or a computer screen, with a mental vision of a dream from the night before or a day dream. Getting my thoughts out becomes top priority. Typically my paintings are acrylic on canvas and are executed with the canvas flat on the floor. Some of them are embellished with jewels and fabric. I've always had a huge interest in fashion and entertainment and both interests show up in my paintings. Generally I tend to seek things of beauty, but what makes something or someone beautiful? Is it how the colors make me feel? Is it Texture? Are my subjects beautiful to me? Is how I interpret sophistication beautiful?

Lately digital painting has been my main creative method of choice. Using Photoshop, my paintings are created in layers using shapes and airbrushing techniques to paint the subjects. No drawing tablets or special devices for me, production comes from viewing the screen and using the computer mouse in my right hand. Sometimes I will embellish the canvas prints with fabrics, jewels or even more acrylic/oil pastel painting to have a finished piece. This makes each print unique and still a statement of my feelings and vision at the time of completion.

People have expressed to me at various exhibitions that the color in my paintings makes them feel warm and comforted. The subjects are unapologetic in their moments of reflection and meditation. However the pride of the subject's sophisticated posture is expressed as being musically fluid in their range of motion.

The very first time that my art was selected for a professional exhibition was at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia in 2001. The exhibit was "Collected Sound: The Music of Jazz in Art". I was a twenty something artist who exhibited my art in all places imaginable, from the stage at weekly comedy shows and spoken word venues, to celebrity autograph signings and night club events sponsored by the local radio station . I've met some very interesting people along the way. Family, Friends, Collectors, Fellow Artists, Political and Religious leaders, Platinum Recording Artists, Comedians, Television Actors, Best Selling Authors and a Stunt Woman have all collected my artwork.

Recently (2010) the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia acquired 17 of my paintings to be a part of their permanent collection. This is a huge honor for any artist, but especially to me, a guy who was raised in rural Caroline County, Virginia and Charlotte, North Carolina. I am honored and appreciative of the ups and downs of my creative journey. Throughout it all I get to do what brings me joy: To connect with people and share our joys and sorrows at each of the exhibitions and most of all, paint.

Please don't hesitate to email me at art@dclai.com to discuss my art or bio.

God Bless You and Thank You,
Darrick Claiborne