Clark Derbes

Clark Derbes is an artist based in Burlington, Vermont. Born in New Orleans and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Louisiana State University in 2002. His work has been exhibited in galleries and group shows in eleven states, and he has completed fifteen public murals in Louisiana and Vermont, working both independently and in collaboration with other artists.

Derbes is best known for his polychromed wooden sculptures. He works with wood from a variety of tree species, including elm, poplar, and maple, carving each piece before sanding, painting, and finishing the surface with detailed patterns. His sculptural practice ranges from chainsaw-carved forms to large columnar works made with hand tools such as hatchets, drawknives, and handsaws. Tool marks are often left visible, emphasizing the physical process of making.

Alongside his studio practice, Derbes has explored alternative ways of sharing his work. While living in rural Vermont, he built an “art farm stand” at the end of his driveway, using it as an informal exhibition space for work in multiple styles and media. Though the project has concluded, it reflects his ongoing interest in experimentation and accessibility.