Artist's Statement

Being a native Texan, my grandfather was an avid art collector acquiring several works of art by the late Charles Umlauf and Ira Correll, both being local Austin sculptors. Also in his collection were many pieces from different eras around the world. Having been exposed to so much sculpture from an early age, the inspiration to create sculpture came to me early in life. Being a massage therapist and working for so many years on professional and amateur athletes, my sculptures usually have some form of muscular detail to them. Understanding the human form to such a degree lends itself easily to my work.

My most influential sculpture teacher, the late Jon Formo, told me a story about a piece of work in an exhibit in which the shadow on the floor was part of the sculpture. Everybody would walk around the shadow because it was part of the art. Later on I came to use that principal in my wire mesh art. Quite often the shadow has more visible detail than the sculpture. I am always trying to create the ultimate sculpture. The WIRE MESH ART is sometimes colorfully painted giving contrast to the shadow on the wall. It's like getting two pieces for the price of one!!!!

With my bronze statues I work closely with the foundry to create unique patinas, so each piece has some variance to it. I keep the edition numbers low to retain the value. For the bases I will either use marble or wood or fossiliferous limestone depending on the desired effect . . .

Contact Artist

Derek Brooks
2511 West 45th Street
Austin, Texas 78756 (USA)
E-mail: dbrooks@tsos.org
Tel. 512-917-5691

Also, please visit Derek's Web site: texas-sculpture.com