Fredrik on His Baby Blues With Derek

For this week’s blog, I thought I'd write a little about Derek, since to me, it's about him and me. Yes, I finally sell 101 Warren at a record price of $11M, and get the Zeke-y and Zach-ey deal FINISHED, but to me it's all about Derek, his art and our future baby.

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If you didn't know already, Derek was born in Harare, Zimbabwe -- and that's Africa and faaaar away from little and cold Sweden. Growing up in Africa, with all its natural beauty, art was always in his life. He told me that as a young boy he was inspired by the colors of his surroundings, and he started merging nature with art. Literally. He would paint outside, use his fingers, mimic the clouds and powerful storms. The rain and rainstorms over the dry landscapes were his favorite, I guess because they are opposites.
 
Throughout school, Derek excelled at art and gained recognition by his teachers. But during his second week at high school, something happened that changed him and his view on art and I thought I would share it with you now: Derek's art teacher accused him of being helped at home after handing in a homework assignment. Derek was even threatened with punishment unless he confessed, but he refused. He had not received any help, except from nature, perhaps. His denial was finally accepted as the truth. This experience left my Derek feeling proud of himself, although he realized he needed to stay true to himself at all times and create his own path through life. Ironically, he later became one of the same teacher's star students and their relationship flourished. I like this story a lot, because the same has happened to me when I was young.

Then at the age of 21, Derek moved to London, where he lived for 15 years. He pursued many different career paths while always dreaming of going back to painting full time. And then he met me in Greece on vacation and moved to New York. High-kick!

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This is when he took the final step and quit everything, or started everything depending on how you look at it. Yes, it was scary but also freeing. He declared himself as a full-time artist, and fully dived into the works of art. It's very inspiring to see someone you love be so passionate about something, like I am passionate about real estate. He soon began to start selling his work privately through word of mouth to friends and to collectors. What you witnessed tonight was Derek's first exhibition in the US and it sold out immediately. He also did one in Sweden which also was a big success. All 12 works on exhibition sold out on the evening of the reception and members of the Royal family attended. #Weeeee

I just thought it would be interesting for you to know this side of Derek. I am so proud of him, and I love his art so much. Our entire apartment loft is full of his art, but then I fall in love with the pieces and they sell and I miss them.
Finally, on the topic of Milla, we have a lot to discuss here. It's not going to be easy, but what in life is? I was so sad to overhear him with that nice lady, who was so happy for us and our future daughter, and I need more answers. What is happening the next few episodes perhaps will surprise you.

One thing I have to say is that when you are married, you are truly two people in every decision, and I think I’m not used to that fully, and I need to work on that. We both need to be better when it comes to that, actually.

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Much love,

Fredrik