D Derek’s Starry Light

A glimmering addition to the Starry Light’s art show.

D Derek is a contemporary abstract artist interested in social sculpture and community engagement. He keeps a studio at the Velvet Mill, and he was recently commissioned by the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce to create an installation for their Starry Lights art show. 

When I first heard about the show, I immediately contacted The Chamber about photographing the making and installation of the large scale stars that would be installed throughout downtown Westerly and Pawcatuck. 

I was given Derek’s contact info and looked forward to finally checking out The Velvet Mill. Like me, Derek has recently moved to the area and had a lot of encouraging things to say about the support and appreciation he has received in his new town as an artist. Great to hear, and an exciting confirmation of my own beliefs before we made the move. Both Westerly and Pawcatuck are undergoing a great resurgence over the past couple decades, investing heavily in their downtown cores and supporting a robust network of civic and art institutions. 

Derek’s star structure encompasses hundreds (thousands?) of unique crystals and crystal shaped ornaments that are illuminated via lights planted on the ground below the structure. I was struck by the idea that everyone will experience this work of art in a different manner each time they look at the piece, given the changing nature of the crystals and the prisms they cast. 

I managed to link up with Derek while he was applying the finishing touches to his Star and prepping it to be transported and installed in its designated location. He had spent numerous hours working on his creation and it was stunning in his studio. 

Luckily, it survived the move from studio to location, and has a prominent location by the Pawcatuck River Bridge. It’s the first star seen by cars and pedestrians traveling from Pawcatuck to Westerly. It was great to see Derek’s work come to life, and this is the first of many collaborations to come.

Thanks for Reading

Andy DelGiudice is a professional photographer that helps people and businesses look their best. He specializes in portraits, headshots, as well as branding and marketing style photography sessions that are ideal for websites, advertising and marketing initiatives. 

Send him an email or give him a call if you or your organization want to learn more about how he can help you visually communicate who you are and what you do.