Devan Bentley transforms drumheads into artistic mementos of his musical journey.
For the past 15 years, Bentley’s career as a drummer in various bands has taken him across the globe. To commemorate each performance, he turns his well-worn drumheads into unique pieces of art, painting them with images of pop culture characters such as Animal from “The Muppet Show” and a Wild West Mickey Mouse, as well as portraits, Japanese tattoo designs, and recreated concert posters.
Bentley’s collection of nearly 60 drumheads will be showcased in “One Gig at a Time,” his latest exhibit at Disruptor Gallery, located within Shutter and Strum, a community arts center in the Knob Hill neighborhood east of downtown Colorado Springs. The exhibit opens on Friday and will run through September, alongside “Unshuttered,” an exhibition featuring works by Shutter and Strum’s photography students.
“This project helps me stay appreciative of each show I get to play,” Bentley explained. “In the past, when I was touring extensively, I took those moments for granted. It all happened so quickly that I forgot some of the shows. This project became a way to remember every performance and preserve those memories through my drumheads. A few years ago, I nearly quit playing drums, but this project reignited my passion.”
The title of the exhibit reflects Bentley’s personal journey and the reason he took a break from music. Nine years ago, he sought sobriety, which made performing challenging at the time.
“I felt like my life was drifting away from music,” he said. “I struggled with touring and partying a lot. It took me several years to find the courage to perform again while sober. The concept of ‘one gig at a time’ embodies the AA slogan ‘one day at a time’ and represents my gratitude for each show.”
Bentley’s passion for drumming began when his grandfather bought him his first drum set at around age 12. The painted drumhead that came with the set might have sparked his artistic inclinations. He began playing with local bands in Rochester, N.Y., before briefly attending college, which he left to pursue a full-time career in melodic hardcore music.
In 2009, Bentley’s band achieved their dream of signing with a New York City record label and embarking on a world tour. He continued with the band until 2014, when he joined Trash Talk, a prominent Los Angeles group. With Trash Talk, he shared the stage with renowned bands such as Suicidal Tendencies and The Dillinger Escape Plan, and even appeared on Cartoon Network’s “The Eric André Show.”
During his time in California, Bentley also studied public art at Berkeley City College, hoping to channel his love for graffiti into mural art. Although he didn’t complete the program, he credits it with inspiring his drumhead designs.
“I was very into graffiti growing up and wanted to use that passion positively,” Bentley said. “Murals seemed like the right avenue. While on tour, I began doodling and painting designs, which led to the creation of my drumhead art.”
Currently, Bentley works as a house and commercial building painter and plays with We Are the Union, an L.A.-based ska band. He also works as a freelance drummer, performing with various bands across the country. Locally, he plays with The Sleights, who wrote the official anthem for the Colorado Springs Switchbacks soccer team, featured in a video before each game.
“Bands often need drummers,” Bentley said. “I serve as a fill-in or live drummer for different groups. I’ve carved out a niche for myself and thoroughly enjoy performing live.”
