My name is Mark Fleuridor, I am a rising Senior and a
Painting major at MICA. This summer I did an internship based in Brooklyn, NY;
as a studio assistant to the artist Derrick Adams. I have been in contact with
Derrick since I was in high school. I did an arts competition called YoungArts
where he was a panelist and took interest in my artwork. The competition would
host students for one week in Miami. After YoungArts I stayed in contact with
him and he offered me a position to intern for him this summer.
I've always wanted to work with someone like Derrick
because he is a multi-disciplinary artist, like myself. He is a jack of all
trades within the art world and to see a black man be all of that and more
would be such a huge inspiration to learn from. During the internship I spent a
lot of time working on collage material, painting and the sculptural aspects of
Derricks artwork. While being at the internship it was very helpful to see him balance
over five projects throughout the summer. I worked on many of those different projects
but the most memorable experience was helping Derrick choose collage patterns
for his artworks, that left me feeling proud and helpful. In my own practice I work
with fabrics and I never thought about thinking about the history of a fabric I
use before using it, which is something that Derrick does. That was a valuable
learning moment that can definitely inform my own work. The studio environment
was very opening and I instantly became close with the people I worked with. We
would always have lunch together and have conversations about the Art World and
residency experiences.
Being in New York was one of the best parts about the
internship, I was able to go to many art receptions, shows and events; and
travel the city. I made many connections in the professional art world I went
to an exhibition opening called Dandy Lion Exhibit at the Nathan Cummings
Foundation. The Curator for that show Shantrelle P. Lewis contacted me and
expressed interest in doing a studio visit with me at MICA. Derrick would send
me on gallery trips and other art related errands which were also exciting. I
am excited to continue my professional relationship with Derrick and I was even
he offered a full-time job after I graduate. In my interview I asked Derrick
what is the most important thing for a young artist to know while making art
and he said “knowing your production limitations as an artist.” That simple yet
important quote will definitely follow me through my senior year and even into
my post grad life.
