Meet Deran Wright: Bronze sculptor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Deran Wright and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Deran, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Didn’t really have a choice in the matter. It was something deep in my bones. A career in the arts is not anything I would really recommend… it can be a difficult journey. Not something you get into for the money. I have been very fortunate to have been successful for most of my experience, but there have been a couple of economic downturns. But I never gave up. You have to have faith in yourself and your art, an almost blind stupid level of confidence that what you’re doing matters, to be able to stick it out through the inevitable trials. 

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Sculpture is my passion, and bronze is my chosen medium. I work in a very traditional, classic representational manner, although I enjoy mixing in fantasy and mythological subjects. Even the most prosaic subject may have an underlying, iconic aspect to it which is fun to explore. I have been pursuing this idea for 41 years now. When I began representational sculpture was somewhat sneered at. At first it was an uphill struggle against the abstract conceptualism mindset that pervaded the arts community. There is still some of that, but realistic sculpture has made a strong comeback. There is room for both, and more, because the very concept of what constitutes sculpture has undergone a sea change over the years. I feel that traditional sculpture has real power. It speaks to us in so many ways. As we have lately seen, that can be a double edged sword. Sculpture can focus attention on topics both good and bad. The people and concepts we lionize through sculpture say a lot about our society. I try to make each sculpture a work that will endure and take it’s place in the local mythos.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I like to hang out in the museum and garden districts. Also enjoy architectural walking tours. Live theater, locally owned restaurants. Food says a lot about a place. We are fortunate to live in the midst of a wonderful variety of cuisines from around the world.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
No one gets anywhere in this world by themselves. There are so many people who have helped me along the path I have walked, in both large and small ways. My family, my friends, associates, the patrons who have supported me over the years. All have contributed to the life I have led. Most of all, I am grateful for the companionship of my wife, Geneva, who has stood by my side, and encouraged me through t’ick and t’in.

Website: www.deranwright.com