Artist of the Month: Derek tefler

Derek's artistic practice is rooted in exploration—of materials, of form, and of the unconscious mind. His work spans painting, drawing, sculpture, and intricate works on wood, each medium offering a different way to express mood, movement, and narrative.

Rather than beginning with rigid plans, Derek often allows instinct to guide the process. His pieces evolve organically, shaped by gesture, texture, and the emotional resonance of the moment. This intuitive approach gives his work a sense of immediacy and honesty—each piece feels discovered rather than constructed.

Contemporary Paintings: Mood, Movement, and Mixed Media

Derek's paintings and drawings explore a wide range of subjects: figurative studies, interiors, still life, cityscapes, nature, and abstract compositions. Using charcoal, acrylic, oil pastels, and mixed media, he blends line, colour, and layered backgrounds to create imagery that is expressive, atmospheric, and often surprising—even to him.

His paintings are less about literal representation and more about capturing a feeling: a moment of stillness, a burst of energy, or the quiet tension of a scene unfolding.

Amoeba

Sculpture - 30cm x 10cm x 19cm

Sculptures: Organic Forms and Three‑Dimensional Storytelling

Derek's sculptural work reveals a deep sensitivity to form and material. His abstract and figurative wood sculptures draw inspiration from nature, the cosmos, and the organic shapes found in the world around us.

Each sculpture begins with a carefully selected block of wood. Through carving, shaping, and refining, Derek creates pieces that play with:

- line and proportion

- light and shadow

- pattern and unity

- movement and balance

The result is a collection of contemporary sculptures that feel both grounded and otherworldly—inviting viewers to interpret their own meaning.

Hokusai's The Great Wave Off Kanagawa

Painting on Wood - 60cm x 1.7cm x 38cm

Japanese‑Inspired Works on Wood: Tradition Reimagined

One of Derek's most distinctive bodies of work is his Japanese‑inspired collection, created on reclaimed wood that he hand‑carves, paints, and finishes with beeswax for a warm, tactile sheen.

These pieces draw from traditional Japanese subjects:

- rugged mountain landscapes

- flying cranes

- fishing villages

- geishas in elaborate kimonos

Each artwork blends cultural homage with Derek's contemporary sensibility. The reclaimed wood—once abandoned—becomes a vessel for new stories, transformed through craftsmanship, colour, and texture.

This collection is a testament to Derek's ability to merge heritage, materiality, and artistic vision into something uniquely his own.

Art as Interpretation and Self‑Discovery

Across all mediums, Derek's work reflects a deep interest in the emotive and instinctual. His creative process often becomes a form of self‑discovery, where the unconscious mind shapes the final image as much as technique or intention.

This openness invites viewers to bring their own interpretations. Whether encountering a sculpture, a painting, or a work on wood, the experience is personal—an invitation to reflect, imagine, and connect.

Amorphous

Sculpture - 20cm x 6cm x 22cm

Closing Reflection

Celebrating Derek Telfer as our Artist of the Month highlights the power of an artistic practice that embraces both craftsmanship and intuition. His journey—spanning painting, sculpture, and Japanese‑inspired works on wood—reveals an artist deeply attuned to material, culture, and emotion.

Derek's art encourages us to slow down, look closely, and engage with the world through texture, form, and feeling. As he continues to expand his collections at Gotharc, we look forward to seeing how his vision evolves and how his evocative, cross‑disciplinary work continues to inspire those who encounter it.

Visit the Artist's Website : www.gotharc.com

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