Visual Artist Derek Hess Is Touring To Promote New Book and Mental Health Awareness
Most of you are probably familiar with the work of visual artist Derek Hess, who has designed album covers for Sepultura, Converge and countless others, as well as incredible promotional posters for Pantera, Pink Floyd, and Soundgarden, to name a few. His art is featured in the Grammy Museum, The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and even the Louvre in Paris.
Sadly, having such a big name does come with its drawbacks. Hess has battled substance abuse issues for years, on top of trying to cope with bipolar disorder. He went public with his struggles in 2016 with the release of an autobiographical documentary, Forced Perspective. This May, he will honor Mental Health Awareness Month with the release of his new book, 31 Days in May: A Visual Journey, which is a very personal collection of images detailing his experience with Dual Diagnosis, a term for those who fight both addiction and mental illness.
In addition to the release of his book, Hess will be going on tour in May to encourage mental health awareness. He will be visiting libraries, hospitals, schools, and other non-traditional locations to take part in book signings, screenings of Forced Perspective, and organized talks. A portion of all book sales in each city will be donated to the mental health or addiction awareness organization of the venue’s choice, and there is also a GoFundMe set up to donate to the tour and mental heath charity organizations.
Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe caught wind of Hess’ endeavors and offers his enthusiastic support:
“As someone who spent decades in the grip of alcoholism-induced depression, I deeply identify with the striking imagery and vigorously-honest writing contained within Derek Hess’s 31 Days In May. As a musician, writer, and photographer, I have used the artistic process as an attempt to both express and understand myself in the moment of creation – often times, these moments are very unpleasant. Hess’s work in this book shows a man willing to face the darkest part of his nature in an effort to move forward and heal. Furthermore, by sharing his process so openly, he hopes to help others do the same. I can think of no higher calling for an artist.”
31 Days in May Tour Dates
5/1 – Phoenix, AZ @ FilmBar – Film Screening, Q&A, Book Signing
5/2 – San Diego, CA @ Eden Tattoo – Book Signing
5/3 – Los Angeles, CA @ Incognito Tattoo – Book Signing
5/4 – Clemente, CA @ San Clemente Tattoo – Book Signing
5/6 – San Francisco, CA @ Loved to Death – Book Signing
5/9 – Fort Myers, FL @ Howl Gallery/Tattoo – Film Screening, Q&A, Book Signing
5/10 – Orlando, FL @ Rise Above Tattoo – Book Signing
5/11 – Winston-Salem, NC @ Delurk Gallery – Film Screening, Q&A, Book Signing
5/12 – Augusta, GA @ 600 Broad – Film Screening, Q&A, Book Signing
5/16 – Syracuse, NY @ Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology – Film Screening, Q&A, Book Signing
5/18 – Cleveland, OH @ Derek Hess Gallery – Book Signing & Gallery Show
5/20 – Fremont, NE @ The Pioneer Theater – Film Screening, Q&A, Book Signing
5/21 – Cedar Rapids, IA @ Next Page Books – Book Signing
5/22 – Kansas City, MO @ Uptown & Arts Bar – Film Screening, Q&A, Book Signing
5/30 – Chicago, IL @ Galerie F – Book Signing
5/31 – Findlay, OH @ Gypsy Tattoo – Book Signing
