Darin Darby

Darin Darby was born and raised in Detroit, MI. He is a self-taught visual artist. He began by drawing comic book characters with pencils. In his early twenties he expanded his art to include colored pencils, charcoal, pastels and acrylic paint. In 2014 he created a new art technique which he trademarked Laypuzzim® (layered puzzled image). Laypuzzim® art is created by cutting textured card stock paper, mat board, or wood. Each individual color of the artwork is cut out by hand, layered, and puzzled together to create an image using negative space. His artwork has been included in exhibitions at several galleries throughout Metro-Detroit, Ohio, and Kentucky. His art is also a part of the permanent collection at Mack Alive Detroit. In 2018, Darin’s artwork was featured on both Fox2 News Detroit and WDIV-TV.

Most of Darin’s current artwork is inspired by biblical themes, thought provoking messages and uncredited historical black figures. He is passionate about creating artwork that has a message and sparking meaningful conversations. He continues to reinvent himself by experimenting with different materials and textiles. Darin is excited about his future as an artist as he continues to create his trademarked Laypuzzim® art.

Artist Statement
As a self-taught figurative artist, my passion is to create artworks that sparks meaningful conversations. Over the years I have created art using pencils, colored pencils, pastels, and acrylic paint. However, in 2014 I had a strong desire to create art in a way that I had never seen before. God gave me an innovative art process that I call Laypuzzim® (layered puzzled image). Laypuzzim® art is created by cutting textured card stock paper, mat board, or wood. Each individual color of the art piece is cut out by hand, layered, and puzzled together to create an image using negative space.

The Laypuzzim® process is an enjoyable challenge that starts with a designed image followed by a great amount of engineering. One of my favorite parts of the process is selecting the perfect materials, textures and colors that will bring my artistic vision to life. From a distance most people think my artwork is a painting. Once the viewer gets close to the piece, they can see the depth and dimension of the layers and become intrigued. This is when the conversation begins and I explain the process and the message behind the art piece.

Most of my artwork is inspired by events that took place during my childhood, biblical themes, thought provoking messages and uncredited historical black figures. The purpose of my art is to express love, serve as a visual reminder of our self-worth, and remind us of our history.