derekgores

Derek Gores Gallery is an urban-chic contemporary art space in the heart of the Eau Gallie Arts District. With industrial high ceilings and vintage made-in-Brevard brick walls, the space oozes cool, with a pinch of history and several doses of Right Now. Gores’ art career track has continued to climb with his collage artwork made of recycled magazines, with recent features in Forbes Magazine and high profile exhibits at Art Basel Miami and new shows in Australia and Los Angeles. But some know him best for his collaborative nature, growing the cultural scene in EGAD, the Eau Gallie Arts District.
SpaceCoast Living visited the gallery to take stock in the Art World, according to Derek Gores:

SCL: What’s the latest with your own artwork? What’s it like working with galleries in far off lands?
DG: I’m chasing a new series of butterflies, as well as the ongoing figurative pieces. And after a few years’ hiatus, I’ve been using water and charcoal in a new set of drawings — this time on gold panel. Galleries are as unique as individual artists. I love finding gallerists I click with, and greatly respect how they tell visual stories and connect with people through art. Most galleries like to have a small family of artists, and slowly build value and collectors for the artwork. It’s a blast to travel to these spectacles, and bring art and ideas back home to Brevard.

SCL: Who have you created work for recently? Did the Kardashians really commission a piece?
DG: They did! Three actually… for the TV show. I can’t share the results until E! Entertainment unveils as they wish. Other recent commissions include art for Heineken, the Minnesota Vikings new stadium, installations for Tucson Fashion Week and Winter Park Fashion Week, and I’m working on a 50 foot piece for a hotel on South Beach in Miami. For commissioned collage, I use scraps custom to the client — whether old ads, data, maps etc.

SCL: You use your gallery to showcase other art forms, and even cross into surprising collaborations outside of what people generally think of as art. Can you tell us about your approach?
DG: First, just from an artistic and positive-energy place, I like mingling the art forms. Whether combining art with dance, music, fashion, food, poetry, good things result. Each year we seem to increase the circle, this year into the tech world. The gallery was the launchpad for Groundswell Startups, the local tech incubator.
Secondly, it is to build the neighborhood in EGAD. I think we’re on our way to becoming the epicenter of ideas and handmade creativity. Collaborating with different creators invites them to move in. Artisan coffee, craft beer, boutiques, computer coding, galleries. Up next we want more food and beverages, who wants to join us and mix the perfect cocktail?
Third, this is my way to impact life in Brevard, and I mean more than just making it extra pretty — I also mean the economic impact. Brevard is strong on tech and engineering, but art and design can take a product over the top. Think of the iPad or iPhone – human centered design and art are what made those the top products of the last decade. Creativity can have that impact on local business and products as well. I love how many people are coming to EGAD to catch some of that.

SCL: In addition to your monthly art exhibits of your work and other artists, tell us who you host in the Derek Gores Gallery.
DG:

  • NQR Improv, weekly classes and improv shows twice monthly. NQRComedy.com
  • The Actor’s Group, acting training especially for film and television. ActorsGroupOrlando.com
  • Muscle Memory Dance Company, “musclememorydancecompany” on Facebook.
  • Groundswell Startups, cool tech mixers and launches. SwellStartups.com
  • The gallery is also available for private functions, parties, product launches.

SCL: What are you most excited about in the coming year from Derek Gores Gallery?
DG: We’re launching Aqua Editions, an exclusive line of fine art prints and originals inspired by life by the sea, and collaborating with interior designers my work and the art of many other local artists. I noticed there is a gap in Brevard, where we in the art industry haven’t made things very workflow-friendly for designers, digital drag and drop and connecting with current design innovations. We’re excited to bridge that gap and connect local artists with designers and developers. People live in Brevard partly inspired by the ocean. We will release seasonal lines curated from that passion. I’m thrilled to bring in Sara Russo as our Design Liaison, and she’ll work with collectors and designers in residential, commercial, as well as institutional projects.

Derek Gores Gallery
587 W. Eau Gallie Blvd, Suite 101 | Melbourne
(321) 258-2119 | DerekGores.com

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