Artist shares creations on new online market
MONUMENT, Colo. — For Choctaw artist Brent Deramus, launching a website featuring artwork from his imaginative mind was a monumental achievement.
The website, Chafahomma.com, is true to its theme: “Blending Ancient with Modern.”
Prepare yourself to enter a site where American Indian art shines true on items you would never fathom — skateboard decks, T-shirts, stickers to adorn car windows, instrument cases or other items. There are bandanas with traditional American Indian symbolism.
His award-winning copper jewelry is prominently showcased.
Deramus' mind envisions art from a cornucopia of life influences and experiences in 45 years of living — celebrating and sharing his heritage, raising a family, earning a living with the Chickasaw Nation, and embracing the oddities and familiarities of being American Indian.
“For me, it is a dream come true. I can make pieces, and people love them. Yeah, I make some weird stuff that is just in my head, but people are attracted to it and I could not ask for anything more,” Deramus said. “I want to have something for everyone to appreciate. I hope more young artists discover copper. To our people, it was a symbol of religious and tribal importance.
“I hope I can continue to connect with people. I hope to inspire someone who maybe has never explored art or, like me, created art but put it away for years. It was scary putting my art out there, but if I can encourage someone to take that leap, it would be so gratifying.”
With America facing the dangers of the novel coronavirus and practicing responsible social distancing measures, Deramus said launching his website in April was a way to connect safely as the nation begins taking small steps to reopen businesses.
He has joined the Southeastern Indian Arts Association (SIAA), a Tahlequah-based group promoting the endeavors of American Indians whose ancestors populated Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama, Florida and North Carolina before being removed from their Homeland beginning in 1830.
He has been invited to join an online art collective sponsored by “Yehaw,” a rich mix of American Indian artists, primarily located in the Pacific Northwest, planning online exhibitions until dangers from the virus subside. Chickasaw sculptor, painter and building spray paint artist Addison Karl is a member of “Yehaw.”
Additionally, the Chickasaw Nation is hosting the Artesian Online Art Market through July 31. To visit the site online, go to ArtesianArtsFestival.com.
His “brand” advances the unusual, which appeals to preteens and elders.
He emerged on the arts scene in 2019 with five goals: to enter artwork in the Te Ata Fisher Chickasaw Nation Employee Art Show, the Artesian Arts Festival, the Choctaw Nation Labor Day Arts Festival and the Southeastern Arts Show and Market (SEASAM). Second, he wanted to place in each show and win at least one first place ribbon. Third, he hoped to present Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby and Choctaw Chief Gary Batton something special he had created to show his appreciation for what they do for tribal citizens and members. Fourth, was launch a website and fifth was collaborate with a shoe company to incorporate his art.
Four of those goals have been realized. Deramus placed in all the art shows, collected a first-place ribbon; presented bolo ties to the leaders of the Chickasaw and Choctaw tribes; and he now has launched his website.
“Collaborating with a shoe company is more of a long-term goal. I'm still working on that one,” he said with a laugh. “I would not have the confidence to do this without the support of the Chickasaw Nation. All the staff at the Chickasaw Nation Arts and Humanities Division gave me that loving push, saying, `You can do this.' Chickasaw artists provided universal encouragement.”