Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do.
I’m Derrick Williams. I’m from the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago. During the week I do maintenance at a school, Gateway to Learning, where I used to be a student so I have been there for almost five decades, about 45 years. I like to go to art museums. I like to go to church, too. I been a singer in the choir at the First United Methodist Church for 20 years.
Have you traveled outside of Illinois?
In 2013, I took an 11-day trip to England with the choir. We went to Bristol, Salisbury, and London. I liked to go to the Wesley Chapel the best.
What’s your favorite kind of music?
I like Bruce Springsteen. I like “Dancing in the Darkness” and “Born in New York”.
How did your interest in art begin?
When I was younger, as a participant at school, I used to make art, I painted. Since 2010, I had been to many art galleries from River North to West Loop to West Town. Through the internet I found out about all of these openings. I paint mostly with crayons and markers on drawing paper and construction paper. I use pastels too.
Do you have a favorite type of artwork to look at?
I like them all. The one thing I think I really like to look at when I go out is autumn trees with different colored leaves, reds and oranges and yellows. When traveling I like to look at art with a different approach to it. I also like to see still life paintings, that’s the one I really like to see in galleries and museums. Like fruits and vegetables on plates or flowers in vases.
How often do you see new shows? Do you have any favorite artists or galleries?
3-4 times a month. Sometimes I go by myself, but sometimes I go with my mom or other people from church. Allison Wade is one. I like going to Patron and Goldfinch, too.
How did you begin taking photos?
I started taking pictures during the 2000s with a film camera. All the photos I take are 4 x 6 inches and come with a CD. When they’re printed, I keep them in photo albums.
You can be seen all over the city going to different art shows, and are often creating cards for the artists. How did you begin doing this for the people you meet in life?
The cards I make usually have a heart on the front, or sometimes a flower on the front, too. I like to sign it with a written piece like Happy New Year. I like making cards because I like to inspire with passion. People enjoy them and they love them and they appreciate me when I give them the cards.
What do you like about giving cards?
I like to do them because I want to give people a little passion for being supportive. That’s why I make a little card or a little something for my Mom so that she can feel good and feel appreciated.
You paint, you draw and you take pictures. Is there anything else that you like to do?
I like cooking hot dogs. I like to take them out of the pack and put them in the pot for a few minutes. After they’re done I like to use the tongs and put the hot dogs in the buns. You can put ketchup and mustard, onions and chili and cheese on them.
