When it comes to discovering one’s purpose, sometimes clarity emerges after tragedy. Just ask Derrick Carter, a mixed-media painter who uses sand as his medium to craft captivating pieces. As a young teen, Carter realized he was gifted artistically but says he spent most of his time playing ball and chasing girls. While on the way to a school dance, he got into an accident that changed the course of his life forever.
“I was on my way to junior prom, and I was assisting my date, when I was run down by a van. I broke every bone on the right side of my body, except my right arm and hand (that I used to create my art), and that was my wakeup call and testimony that God gave me a gift, and that I should use it,” said Carter.
After spending more than six months in a hospital, Carter decided he wouldn’t put aside art any longer. For the first time in his life, he had faith that he could be an artist. Carter started creating artwork that highlighted the stories of icons that inspire him.
Having faith in oneself didn’t always translate to others having faith in him. Carter says plenty of people discouraged him from pursing art, because they felt it was not practical.
“I was told that I couldn’t do something a lot, but I believe in myself, so I don’t believe that is true. People telling me I can’t do something pushed me to do it anyway,” explained Carter. “They believe I have to work nine to five to survive, so they tell me it’s just not going to work, being an artist, and sometimes it doesn’t, but you never give up.”
Carter tried to meet them halfway, earning a graphic design degree and working for a local paper. But deep down, a desire to pursue his passion was still there. He credits God for giving him the fortitude to stick with art and the courage to take risky chances along the way.
“I recently quit a job making $24 an hour; I was working 70-75 hours a week, and I had no time to do art. While I worked there, I created four pieces of art a year. Since quitting in May, I have created 15 pieces,” explained Carter.
One of those new pieces, along with a wide variety of his work, is currently being displayed at the Indianapolis International Airport. The Indianapolis Airport Authority and the Arts Council of Indianapolis have selected Carter, alongside artists Douglas David and Benny Sanders, to be featured at the airport until March 11, as a way to connect travelers to Indy’s local cultures and communities.
Carter says being selected was an honor, and he hopes his story inspires others to pursue their passions wholeheartedly.
“I want to teach others who have a creative passion without the belief in themselves to push it; I want to teach them through my story that anything is possible if you have faith in yourself. We think of art as something perfect, but the line doesn’t have to be straight; it’s whatever you believe, that’s what makes it art,” explained Carter. “The world has forgotten that art can be more than a perfect photograph; a camera can take a photograph. Art is more like a belief, a story.”
In a year’s time, Carter hopes to focus on art full-time.
To view or purchase Derrick Carter’s work, visit theartincarter.com.
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