Derek S. Clarke

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My name is Derek Sellers Clarke and I was born in Chicago, Illinois. I currently live and work in Austin, Texas. As a small child, my parents and I moved from Chicago to San Benito, Texas in the Rio Grande Valley. From the time I was small my parents could see my passion for art. I grew up drawing, painting, doing any kind of art I could get my hands on. As a young teen, I would design athletic shoes as if Nike was about to knock on my door. As I grew I set my sights on art school and attended the Art Institute where I specialized in Media Arts, Animation, and Storyboarding. However, after massive school debt and still no degree, I decided to make some extra money with my graphic design skills while I re-evaluated. Although I never went back to finish, I have had some amazing experiences that I may not have had otherwise. In 2012 I married the most amazing woman and gained a daughter who was 6-years-old at the time. They have, and continue to inspire me to my core. ​ My artwork has taken on many forms over the years, both to put food on the table and also to feed my soul. My favorite medium is painting, but that isn't to say it won't change. I define myself by the importance of my ability to grow, both as a person and as an artist in all aspects of my life. ​ I am a Black man. I am a Mexican man. I am a husband. I am a father. I am a son. I am an uncle. I am a nephew. I am an artist.