DEREKOVERFIELDART

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Derek Overfield is an artist and graphic designer residing in Fairmont, West Virginia. He attended Fairmont State College and studied under the tutelage and guidance of Lynn Boggess, graduating with a bachelor of science in Graphics/Fine Arts in 2003. Professionally, Derek has exhibited his work in numerous competitions and exhibitions. In 2004, as well as in 2005, he contributed to the group exhibitions, The Figure Head to Toe at Cooper Gallery in Lewisburg, WV. In 2008 his work was included in the exhibits Creative Drive at the Hammond Harkin Gallery in Columbus, OH, and Step Closer at the Gallery RFD in Swainsboro, GA. In 2009 his work was featured in the Best of West Virginia show at the Tamarack Gallery in Beckley, WV and the Emerging Artists of West Virginia exhibit at the West Virginia State Museum in Charleston, WV, where he took second place. Later, in October of 2009 his work was included in the WV Juried Exhibition at the Huntington Museum of Art in Huntington, WV. In addition, solo exhibitions of Derek's recent work were shown at Gallery 62 West in Grafton WV, the James Brooks Gallery at Fairmont State University, and the Robert C. Byrd Federal Courthouse in Charlesteon, WV. Most recently his work was featured in the group shows The Salon Show (2009) and Contemporary Figurative Art (2010) at the Terra Gallery in Columbus, OH, as well as being a part of the Lynn and Jennifer Boggess Teaching Artists exhibit at the WV State Museum (2010).
Artist Statement:
"...and around his head the fair goddess set thick a golden cloud, and forth from the man made blaze a gleaming fire... there he stood and shouted... and when they heard the brazen voice of the son of Aeacus the hearts of all were dismayed." - Homer, The Iliad .

I seek to honor the figure in a simple and honest way - tapping into its myterious power and charisma through the expressiveness of line. I am heavily influenced by classical work, as well as the bravery of those fighting for and against their existence. I seek to capture that light of existence, that "gleaming fire", as well as its burdonsome weight.