Walter Dermul’s transition from a long career in marketing and communications to a self-taught artist is a profound exploration of identity, memory, and purpose. Fueled by reflections on the choices that shape a life, Walter creates oil paintings that capture the subtle, fleeting moments often overlooked in the rush of modern existence. Rooted in themes of nostalgia, communication, and emotional resonance, each piece invites viewers to pause, reflect, and find their own meaning. By blending photographic inspiration with a painterly language honed through introspection and experimentation, Walter’s work transcends mere aesthetics to become a dialogue on the human experience. This interview examines the inspirations, methods, and vision driving this remarkable journey.

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Your story is a fascinating one—transitioning from a long career in marketing and communications to becoming a self-taught artist. What prompted such a significant shift in your life?

The decision to transition into art was a deeply personal one that emerged from a long period of introspection. From a young age, I had a passion for creativity and initially wanted to pursue an artistic education. However, at 18, my parents encouraged me to follow a more conventional path, so I studied business psychology and marketing instead. This led me into the corporate world, where I spent many years building a career.

 

Over time, I began to reflect on the choices that shaped my life, particularly wondering how things might have unfolded if I had pursued art earlier. It struck me that life is often defined by small, seemingly insignificant moments—events we don’t fully appreciate at the time but which later prove to have a profound influence. These reflections became central to my work: exploring existence, grappling with doubts about what was and what will come, and expressing the fleeting moments that shape who we are.  After retiring and experiencing changes in my personal life, I felt a growing desire to finally embrace painting, a pursuit that felt both overdue and deeply fulfilling. It felt like returning to something I had always been meant to do.

How has your background in advertising and communications influenced your work as an artist?

My time in advertising shaped me in more ways than I initially realized. I worked in agencies as a strategist and manager - not as a creative. But still this environment honed my attention to detail, composition, and aesthetics. I think it helped me to develop an ability to create an imagery that resonates with viewers, which naturally translates into my paintings. The work I did in marketing also instilled an appreciation for visual storytelling—capturing emotions and messages in an impactful way. I often draw from nostalgic elements, blending inspiration from different eras like the 1960s and 1970s, the era in which I grew up. I think this creates a unique blend of modern and timeless visuals.

As a self-taught artist, what challenges did you face when you started your artistic career?

One of the biggest challenges was the absence of formal training. I had to teach myself everything about oil painting—from techniques to understanding the medium’s complexities. I explored, experimented, and made a lot of mistakes along the way, but that process was incredibly rewarding. Another challenge was redefining my professional identity after so many years in a corporate career. Suddenly, I wasn’t the marketing professional anymore; I was the artist. That shift came with uncertainty—how would my work be received? Could I build credibility? Emotionally and practically, it was daunting, but it was also freeing. Pursuing a passion-driven career later in life comes with challenges, but it also brings immense fulfillment.

Your work often explores themes of communication and emotion. What inspires these recurring subjects?

Communication has been central to my life, both personally and professionally, so it’s natural that it finds its way into my art. People fascinate me—how we connect, how we express ourselves, and even how we sometimes fail to communicate. My paintings often reflect personal experiences and emotions, whether they’re autobiographical moments or broader observations of human interactions. I’m particularly drawn to the subtle emotions we often overlook: a fleeting glance, a moment of quiet contemplation, or unspoken tension between two figures. Many of my paintings have an autobiographical touch—they reflect moments that impacted me personally.

You incorporate photography into your creative process. How do these images shape your paintings?

Photographs are a key part of my inspiration. I draw from various sources: photos I’ve taken, images from news media, websites, or even old family archives. I search for photos on different platforms or in my own personal albums. In most cases, I then make a sort of collage by combining different images, zooming in or out, adding or removing parts. The final 'montage' serves as the foundation for my work, helping me capture a particular emotion, moment, or story. The goal isn’t just to replicate what I see; I use the images as a starting point to explore emotions and communication in a way that invites viewers to find their own meaning in the work.

Why did you choose oil paint as your primary medium, and what draws you to it as an artist? Why oil paint? What do you find compelling about it?

Oil paint is extraordinary—I think of it as a “living substance.” It has a plasticity that allows me to push and pull colors, almost like sculpting on canvas. With each brushstroke, I can distort, mix, and refine the colors, creating depth and movement. Oil paint also has this incredible ability to capture fine details while allowing for expressive, textured layers. It feels playful but also demands patience, and that combination really resonates with me. Oil paint is expressive and dynamic, making it perfect for capturing mood and atmosphere. It allows me to play with texture, light, and shadow to build emotions on the canvas. The vibrant colors and layered nuances create a sensory depth that can evoke nostalgia, joy, or sorrow. Whether I’m painting something subtle or deeply evocative, the medium helps me establish a strong emotional connection between the artwork and the viewer.

Given that your journey into art was largely self-driven, were there any mentors or role models who influenced you along the way?

Not really. My decision to become an artist was a very personal and introspective process. While I admire many great artists, my transition wasn’t shaped by mentors or external influences. It came from within—a realization that I wanted to explore creativity and embrace painting as a form of expression. That said, there are artists whose work I deeply admire and who inspire me in different ways. I find myself drawn to the works of Edward Hopper for his ability to capture solitude and tension within everyday moments, and Lucian Freud for his raw, emotional portraits. I’m also inspired by the figurative strength of artists like David Hockney and Gerhard Richter. Their approaches remind me of the power of storytelling in art, and their influence often seeps into my own work, even if subtly.

How do you envision the evolution of your art in the coming years? What are your long-term goals and aspirations as a professional artist?

I see my art continuing to evolve as I explore new techniques, themes, and mediums. While oil painting will always be central to my work, I’m open to experimenting with other forms of artistic expression, such as mixed media or larger-scale pieces. I want to push the boundaries of my style and allow my work to reflect not only my personal experiences but also broader societal themes. I believe that growth as an artist requires constant learning and reinvention. In the long term, I aspire to establish a legacy of meaningful, thought-provoking art that resonates with people across generations. I would love for my work to reach wider audiences through exhibitions and collaborations, both locally and internationally. Additionally, I hope to inspire others who may feel it’s “too late” to pursue a creative passion. My journey is proof that it’s never too late to embrace what you love and create something that matters. Ultimately, my goal is to continue telling stories through my paintings—stories that connect, provoke thought, and evoke emotion.

What do you hope audiences take away from your work?

I hope viewers find something that resonates with them emotionally. My paintings are deeply personal, but they’re also universal in their themes of connection, communication, and reflection. Whether someone sees themselves in a moment I’ve painted or connects with the emotion I’ve tried to convey, I want the work to spark a sense of introspection or nostalgia. Art has a way of bridging the gaps between people.

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Walter Dermul’s art captures the delicate balance between the deeply personal and the universally relatable. Through oil painting, Walter creates visual narratives that explore human connection, communication, and memory, all while pushing the boundaries of his self-taught practice. This interview stands as a reminder that it is never too late to embrace a passion and create something meaningful. With ambitious goals for future exhibitions and an unwavering commitment to storytelling through art, Walter’s journey is one of transformation, resilience, and inspiration.