WHAT IS IT THAT YOU DO AND WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
I'm a synesthetic painter, printmaker, photographer, sculptor, muralist and designer. I use pen, inks, paints, paper, pencil, resin, cement, wood, digital photography and software to intuitively explore the dynamic relationship between color, shape, form, feels and memories. A deep respect for craftsmanship manifests itself through my process and my work references minimalism, color field painting, realism, photo-realism, de stijl, hard-edge painting, suprematism and pop art.
I recently completed a series of paintings in the tradition of photorealists like Chuck Close, Richard Estes, and Audrey Flack. My process involves paintings rendered with exacting detail from photographic self-portraits. For me, this painstakingly slow and considered painting technique is a response to the emotional consequences of selfie culture—which I became hyper-aware of during my time as a product designer at Facebook—and I endeavor to bring self-reflection back into self-portraiture. I'm preparing the paintings for an upcoming solo show to be announced soon. I'm presently working on a series of abstract, minimal, geometric paintings, patterns and prints. These works are explorations and studies in movement, the interaction of color, structure, dimensionality, perspectives and inspired by synesthetic visual experiences triggered from sound, language, people and memories.
WHAT DO YOU IDENTIFY AS YOUR CULTURAL HERITAGE?
My immigrant ancestors are from all over the world: Ireland, Holland, England, Israel, France, Russia. Maybe some others? I'm not sure exactly, due to poor family tree documentation and several name changes a long the way, but I'm definitely proud of my heritage and I love learning more about it and connecting back to my roots. I went to Ireland a few years ago and I loved it there. It's so green, the people are ridiculously friendly and it's true, the Guinness does taste better there.
DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE AND INSPIRATION
I'd say that my style is very casual. Maybe even a little bit of a Southern California vibe? I literally wear the cheapest Vans, ripped Levi's, and a faded baseball cap every day, but I also pair that with dope designer shirts that could be worn with a suit.
Sometimes I'll wear everything all one color (often black or white, like a good New Yorker) and really love colorful patterns.
I've always leaned towards brands like Band of Outsiders and Steven Alan, but there are so many designers in New York right now that inspire me. Carlos Campos' designs are definitely some of my favorite right now.
I want to wear all of his designs.
DEREK BRADLEY is a fine artist, printmaker, photographer, sculptor, muralist, designer and happy hour companion.