Derek Medina

I create my images to make people feel some type of emotion to stop and look at. We live in a time where our phones are a distraction.

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You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!

Voting for Group Finalists ends Thursday the 11th of June at 7PM PDT

What is The People's Artist?

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What is your favorite type of art to create?

I do a wide variety of photography such as architecture photography photographing our Historic Churches in my community. I also like to take photos of our Lowriders here in my town . It’s amazing how so much work goes into these machines. Photojournalism is something I picked up at our local newspaper. I enjoyed photography so much. I got a job with them. Wildlife photography is another passion of mine. also street and landscape photography. All self taught since November of 2025.

Where do you find inspiration?

Life in general is my inspiration. We take so much for granted we are not guaranteed another day on this earth. There’s so much to be grateful for so many images can be taken. Maybe an image can inspire somebody and change their life. Maybe it will inspire them to get out and take photographs of whatever they’re interested in. I always like taking photos since I was a kid, but never really got into it like I am now. I am also inspired by my daughter. She is my critique and I trust her.

What would you do with $25,000?

I would like to pay off some debt , take a couple trips to create more art . Purchase equipment to just improve my skills. Take a couple workshops to further my knowledge of photography. Help out my community with the upkeep of our small chapel and cemetery. All around just set the best example for my daughter and show her what it is to be a good person. When someone gives you a gift you give back to the people how helped raised you who mentor you .

The Art of Elysium

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Limited-time: 2X votes ends on Sat 6/6 at 9PM PDT


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