We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Darin Darby. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Darin below.

Darin, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project that I’ve worked on is an exhibition that I curated in 2021. While in quarantine during the 2020 pandemic, I started several art series. The one that I was most excited about was the BAM series. The BAM series was inspired by the Blacks Arts Movement that occurred between 1965 and 1975. My art mentor has always encouraged me to create art in my time period and the Black Arts Movement is part of my period. The BAM series introduced an artistic twist to the events that took place during the ten-year period. Although the Black Arts Movement is what sparked the idea for the BAM series, the civil rights movement was the greatest inspiration.

I had created several BAM art pieces that were informative, captivating and striking. However, I was compelled to add a tribute art piece that would pay homage to the Selma March and the leaders of the past. The body of work that I was creating really moved me and I knew I had to share it with others. I thought a solo art exhibition would be a great way to showcase it. For the tribute art piece, I had the idea to do a large collaboration with a fellow artist. He was excited to join me in doing the collaboration, but also wanted to be included in the exhibition.

The collaboration art piece was created, and it inspired me to include three additional artists in the exhibition. There would be five of us in total. After seeing the potential of how awesome a group exhibition could be, my wife and I designed a proposal for the exhibition to be exhibited in an art gallery. A gallery based in the city of Detroit near the downtown area accepted our proposal. This show was the first art exhibition that I’ve ever designed, organized and curated. The exhibition entitled BAM “My Art Is My Voice” was a huge success. It gained the attention of news media outlets throughout metro-Detroit. It was a very rewarding experience that I will never forget.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I was born and raised in Detroit, MI. I am a self-taught visual artist. I began by drawing comic book characters with pencils. In my early twenties I expanded my art to include colored pencils, charcoal, pastels and acrylic paint. In 2014 I created a new innovative art technique which I trademarked Laypuzzim® (layered puzzled image). Laypuzzim® art is created by cutting textured card stock paper, mat board, or wood. Each individual color of the artwork is cut out by hand, layered, and puzzled together to create an image using negative space.

Most of my current artwork is inspired by my childhood memories, biblical themes, thought provoking messages and uncredited historical black figures. I am passionate about creating artwork that has a message and sparks meaningful conversations. With my artwork, I hope to encourage love, joy peace, hope and self-value to all of my clients, potential clients, followers, and fans.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the opportunity to share your voice through creativity with the world. I really get excited when the viewers engage in conversations inspired by my artwork. The relationships that are built because of my artwork is my favorite part of being an artist.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I think society should support visual artist from all walks of life and not put such a strong emphasis on formal education. Visual artists should be rewarded for their creativity and given a fair chance without having the status or name recognition. In many cases the visual arts are not celebrated like the other types of art like music, film, and sports.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ddarbyart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ddarbyart/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darin-darby/