Perth Voice Interactive

A PERTH VOICE PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
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West Australian artist Derek Schapper’s interest in timber began in childhood when he spent hours watching his father and older brother build a succession of timber yachts on which he sailed as crew.  Years later Derek began working with timber himself, to craft the seabirds and fish that had captured his imagination.

Derek’s other interest is modern form and design and from there emerged his beautiful and unique timber wall art.  

“I adopted, revived and adapted examples of modernist designs into timber wall ornaments with an Australian/European flavour. I began crafting mainly birds and fish, and mounting them off-wall to create depth and shadows.”

Encompassing Art Deco, Bauhaus and Midcentury Modern, Schapper’s modernist style artworks are now sold in art, furniture and design shops in Berlin, Melbourne and Perth. 

 “There’s been resurgence of interest in midcentury modernism, particularly in décor and my work complements this aesthetic.”

While Perth has always been his home turf, five years ago Derek moved his studio and workshop to Albany where he enjoys another thriving artistic community.

“I’m making new works that reflect the landscape and the botanicals of the south west region.  I use mainly local timbers to create birds and fish, and whole scenes that have become 3D timber pictures.

“The choice of timber is part of the design process. I generally use Western 

Australia’s unique timbers, especially jarrah. WA has a wide variety of
Eucalyptus with colours ranging from deep red to creamy white. Banksia, casuarina and melaleuca add further possibilities in texture, grain and colour.”

This is Schapper’s first exhibition in Perth, under the curatorship of Future Shelter Gallery owner and resident artist, Jane Coffey.

Derek Schapper ‘Modernist Perspectives’:
Future Shelter Gallery
56 Angove Street, North Perth
Open 10 – 3pm Thurs April 18 to Sun May 12
Closed Monday and Tuesday