Please join us in RiNo for First Friday, featuring artist Leilani Nobuko Derr
Printmakers Exhibition
2632 Blake Street, Denver
10.4.2024, 6-9pm
Meet Leilani
Leilani Nobuko Derr (she/her) is a visual artist and designer who explores thought-provoking themes through whimsical illustrations. In her work, she often incorporates mythologies, symbols, and superstitions from her multi-cultural “hapa” upbringing and finds inspiration through shared experiences, relentless curiosity, and community connections.
She received her BA at Coastal Carolina University where she pursued graphic design and printmaking. Since moving to Colorado in 2010, Leilani has spent much of her creative career designing in branding agencies and marketing departments for which she has been the recipient of multiple ADDY and SPJ awards.
Her passion for public art expanded during her decade of work as Creative Lead of Art and Design in Adams County, Colo. public libraries. While working as a designer for the seven branch district north of Denver, she specialized in art direction and helped to launch community art initiatives, partnering with local artists and organizations.
Learn more about Leilani in our Q & A!
Where do you find inspiration?
Literally everywhere. My camera roll is full of photo-notes just from weird patterns, bugs, interesting shadows and lighting I find just in my house. Everything is a shiny object to me. I’m easily distractible and amazed by the most mundane things. My partner refers to me as a puppy sometimes.
What are you working on right now?
Lately, I’ve been leaning into these surreal depictions of what intense emotions manifest for me and often mixing them with cryptids and themes from Japanese folklore. It’s been work that I’ve been the most hesitant to share because of the vulnerability component, but they’ve often been the most well received because they are of a relatable emotional foundation.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Rhythm rollerskating! When I am able to roll to the beat of a song I love, the worst parts of my brain shut off for a moment and the world feels okay.
What are your thoughts about your city's creative scene for artists, designers, crafters, makers, and/or small businesses?
It’s beautiful and growing! I’ve lived in and around Denver for 14 years now and I’m only just beginning to dip my toe into our arts community. Mostly because I felt intimidated. I came from a smaller town and wasn’t sure how to find or be a part of a community that seemed overwhelmingly large in comparison. And honestly, I was feeling terrified of rejection. Pushing past those fears and putting in the effort to seek out those friendships, supports, and communities in the Denver arts scene has been the most personally rewarding and fruitful work I’ve done in my young artistic career. We have this incredible community of diverse, loving, and helpful people who do not hesitate to support one another. I’m grateful to become a part of it.
What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
“Beating yourself up doesn’t make you stronger - it leaves you bruised.” Adam Grant
I’ve sunk so much precious time and energy into a practice of self-flagellation, that did way more harm to myself and artistic practice, than good. It resulted in higher levels of anxiety, fear of failure/rejection, and self sabotage. I would become creatively paralyzed. How could I possibly be good or helpful for others if I couldn’t even be good to myself? It was a realizations that lead me to finally be able to embrace self-compassion in a way that didn’t feel overly narcissistic or woo woo.
Get in touch with Leilani
Website: https://leilaniderr.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leilani.nobuko.derr
If you are a local artist/crafter/maker/indie business owner and would like to be featured on our blog, please fill out this form or contact Ashley at ashley@westandmainhomes.com with questions...we can't wait to learn all about you!
