Artistic Statement:

In life, some object or event in the present can trigger a sudden renewal of feelings. The commonplace world is abruptly stirred by a sense of an incalculable importance. However, the experience is fleeting, the glimpse abruptly withdrawn. In this collection of artworks, Derek seeks to re-create an awareness of greater significance lying just beyond the reach of everyday life. The spots of light and cast shadows in the quiet subject matter of these artworks merely guide the viewer in emotional recollection.

Biography

Derek McLarty was raised in London, Ontario where he developed an early interest in all forms of visual art. He studied painting, drawing, printmaking as well as art history at the University of Western Ontario before graduating with a Honours Visual Arts degree. Upon graduation, he quickly discovered that his full time work, while rewarding, left very little time for personal artistic expression. Since 2003, Derek has taken steps to balance employment with artistic practice. As a result, he now exhibits his works in both public and private galleries across southern Ontario. His works reside in both private and corporate collections across Canada.


Gallery Representation:

Harbinger Gallery, Waterloo, Ontario (ADAC)
Circle Arts Gallery, Tobermory, Ontario
Gallery Athena, Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Marten Arts Gallery, Bayfield, Ontario
Art Exhange Gallery, London, Ontario

Derek McLarty's work has also been exhibited in the following venues:

Michael Gibson Gallery, London, Ontario
Museum London, London, Ontario
Glenhyrst Art Gallery, Brantford, Ontario
Thames Art Gallery, Chatham, Ontario
Gallery in the Grove, Sarnia, Ontario

Recent Awards:

Peoples' Choice Award, Glenhyrst Art Gallery (December 2007)

Ontario Arts Council, (materials assistance grant for Interiors and Exteriors) Gallery in the Grove. (November, 2005)

Ontario Arts Council, (materials assistance grant for Emotion Recollected in Tranquility) Art Exchange Gallery. (April, 2005)

Best in Show, Gallery in the Grove (Sarnia) Juried Show (June, 2004)

First Prize Winner, Thames Art Gallery (Chatham) Juried Show (Dec. 2003)

Media:

Oils, watercolour and dry media

Art Education:

Bachelor of Honours Visual Arts, U.W.O.

Selected Corporate Collections:

Bank of Montreal
Emco
Thompson Corbett Webster LLP