biography
Since the introduction of the limited edition bronze sculptures by D. E. McDermott in 1986, he has received extraordinary attention and his sculptures have been included in collections throughout the world. Working with figurative themes, simplicity of design, and elegant presentation, his sculptures invite the viewer’s eyes to return again and again.
He uses the highest quality bronze casting techniques available and finishes the pieces with true patinas.
McDermott was born and raised in New York. Largely self-taught, among one of his earliest artistic influences was his personal contact with the great animal sculptor, Anna Hyatt Huntington. Prominent among his formal studies was his work with the California sculptor and teacher, Richard Miller. McDermott lived in Spain where he maintained a studio for several years.
The large sculpture, “Youth”, was commissioned in the city of Valencia, Spain for its Exposition. The “Joy of Dance” sculpture is on permanent display in Shinji, Japan. The 8 foot high “Dance of Life” was commissioned as part of a $200 million expansion of Central DuPage Hospital in Chicago. This bronze, placed upon a 7 foot granite pedestal rises 15 feet in a four story high atrium and is the artistic centerpiece of the hospital’s new Women and Children’s Pavilion.
The Palo Alto Medical Foundation commissioned a large version of 'Rejoice' for their public collection. The Lucille Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford Medical Center installed a life-size bronze in their Central Garden Court. The insurance firm LISI Inc acquired seven bronzes for their corporate offices in San Mateo, CA. The Global Summit of Women, held in Hanoi Vietnam, selected three sculptures for its Award Presentation Ceremonies.
The sculptures were presented to the Ministers of Barbados, Mexico and South Africa for their outstanding achievements in public and private partnerships advancing women and girls.
Most recently, his completion and installation of five seven foot high bronzes, commissioned by the University of Arkansas, for the entrance to their new state-of-the-art Faulkner Performing Arts Center on the Fayetteville campus.