Multi-Dimensional Artist

The sacrifice Derek Larson, professor of graphic design and 4D new media, made prior to a recognition event last year clearly illustrates the kind of faculty member he truly is, as well as the overall integrity of the instructors at Georgia Southern.

After being selected as one of four finalists for the Hudgen’s Prize, one of the largest art awards given nationwide, Larson was invited to a private event held in Atlanta to honor him and the other finalists.

While other artists brought family members and friends to the private event, Larson gave his five guest tickets to Georgia Southern students. “I saw this as a great opportunity for my students to be introduced to some of the most prominent artists, curators and top gallery owners in the state,” Larson said.

Larson’s selection as one of the top four Georgia artists from among the many hundreds who applied was a great honor for him. “I was surprised by it and a bit nervous because it meant that I would be creating a new body of work to go on view in a large gallery space in a fairly short amount of time,” he said. “So while the preparation time was only a few months, they did provide a stipend for materials and shipping to make things easier, but I still felt a lot of pressure.”

As part of his selection, a major curator from the Museum of Modern Art in New York City was flown down to visit Larson’s studio in Statesboro, a gesture Larson described as “truly incredible.”

Larson, who received his M.F.A. in sculpture from Yale University, has been at Georgia Southern for three years. He said his creativity is inspired by art history, philosophy, popular culture, conversations with friends, writing and traveling. “I’m currently making a sculptural video that exists in 3D space. I’m creating videos and animations in 2D and 3D software, and projecting them in layers on shaped metal screens that resemble small billboards,” he said.

Larson, who exhibits about 15 times a year, calls himself a painter, screen printer, animator, video/sound artist and sculptor. He describes his process of constructing a piece of art as connecting a variety of elements that are interesting to him. “For example, I might make something in response to what I’m reading, or in conversation with another artist or in response to a particular circumstance,” he said.

As a teacher, Larson said his job is to introduce historical concepts, to introduce new techniques through software and to help students find their artistic voice with the technology. “I teach animation, video motion graphics, graphic design courses, new media design and design concepts, so my job as a teacher is to introduce this history and then apply it to contemporary tools,” he explained.

Larson believes there are great things happening in the University’s Art Department. “I think what makes it exciting are the people and the level of research being done by the faculty. The other amazing surprise is the facilities that are available. The Department is equipped with tremendous design and computer labs. We even have a 3D printer and a plasma cutter not all university art departments may have,” Larson said.

As for his most important advice for Georgia Southern students, Larson said, “One of the most important things for them to remember after they leave art school is that having deadlines is important because it keeps you active and keeps you producing new projects. No matter how big or small the opportunity, any deadline is a good one.” – Steven Hannan