Derek Boak

Derek Boak

My work is concerned with the spirit. That of place, human existence and that of the wraith. After visiting many sites of ancient stones and cairns, I have become interested in the layers of history, meaning and traces of human activity present in these places.

To explore these notions I experiment with a variety of imagery and materials, layering, binding, assembling and scraping to create metaphors for feelings, remembrances, people and places. It is hoped that the viewer of the work will find their own memories and hopes reflected in the images and surfaces.

Derek lives and works in Southport, Merseyside. He taught in secondary and sixth-form education for nearly forty years. Whilst teaching Derek developed residencies, bringing many artists into the studios and using their techniques and ideas to enrich the curriculum and his own practice. In 1993 he coordinated the team for Antony Gormley’s “Field for the British Isles “, installing the work at Tate Liverpool and St. Helens College. Derek became a member of Manchester Academy of Fine Art in 2004, serving on its council for four years and continues to exhibit with them regularly.