Meet Deron Cohen: Teaching Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Deron Cohen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Deron, why did you pursue a creative career?
I have loved to draw and make art since I was very young. I seemed to have an aptitude for it; my friends asked me to make drawings for them and my parents were always supportive of me pursuing art. No one ever said it would be easy, but I had enough confidence to try to make a career out of what I love. It still continues to be a struggle, but I have never regretted my decision.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I try to create paintings that no one has seen before and my process is unique. Since my work is different, I know it can be challenging for someone who swims in the mainstream. I am excited when a person who is new to my work engages with it. I feel a painting is a success when a viewer allows it to pull him out of his default mode of thought and plunge him into a story the image tells him. Getting to where I am now has taken a lot of discipline and practice. I have always tried to create great art and to give my art lessons value for my students. I believe that people will learn about you if you do good work and put it out into the world. My path hasn’t been an easy one. There are lots of great artists that are trying to get attention for their work, so gaining exposure can be challenging and for someone who really wants to just paint, spending time trying to get exposure can seem counterproductive. I remain positive and am lucky to get enough good word-of-mouth testimonials that I am able survive. I believe that viewing and especially making art is a healing act. In a world with so much destruction and sickness, we are able to heal ourselves and others through the act of creation. At the Naval Medical Center in Balboa Park, I have worked with injured military personnel who suffer from PTSD and other injuries. I have worked with the autistic community. I have worked with a quadriplegic mouthpainter. Their lives have all benefitted from making art and I have watched them a heal a little bit because of it. Their physical wounds may not ever heal, but their psychic wounds do. At the very least, I hope my paintings and my teaching will bring people into the Now of the moment instead of the default mode of day-to-day life. My greatest hope is that my work will inspire others and maybe even heal the world in some small way.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m not sure I will have anything too original to suggest regarding places to visit, eat, etc. in San Diego. There is so much natural beauty all around us here. I take daily walks in Tecolote Canyon and would recommend any of the nature parks and trails that can be found all over the city. The beaches are amazing and I particularly enjoy La Jolla Cove and the cliffs there. The Zoo is one of my favorite attractions in the city, especially because it’s right in Balboa Park which has so many cool museums and beautiful spots to picnic. I can’t say enough good things about the food here and can find delicious offerings no matter the cuisine. Mexican food is a staple and there are no shortage of great spots. If I could name one restaurant as my favorite though, I have to go with Sab-e-lee for the amazing Thai food. I love that place.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My biggest Shoutouts go to my family members. My parents, Bruce and Vivian, have always encouraged and supported my pursuit of an art career, both emotionally and financially. They paid for my amazing fine art education at UCLA and set me up for success. My wife, Suneeta, deserves a lot of credit for continuing to lovingly support and believe in me as an artist, even when my business isn’t doing as well as we’d like. Both of my brothers, Scott and Brandon, and their wives, Veronicah and Evelyng (respectively), have supported me by buying artwork and sending teaching work my way, when possible. I am also very appreciative of my in-laws, Vinnie and Banu, who have provided generous support in a myriad of ways. Finally, I have many friends and collectors that have supported me in the past by purchasing, paintings, prints, clothing and even donating on my patreon page. Every purchase helps me and my family live and I am grateful for the support.

Website: www.deroncohen.com
Instagram: @deroncohen
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deron-cohen-61744484/
Twitter: @deroncohen
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeronCohen
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfpYVzHi00Vye1KGVQS3Bkg/
Other: Clothing with images of my artwork available here: https://www.rageon.com/a/users/Mindspark_Enterprises

Image Credits
Jennifer Quest Photos (watermark is on the image)