Derk VanderbentDutch born, Australian artist and author, Derk VanderbentDutch born, Australian artist, Derk Vanderbent (aka Van Derek). Author, Developer, Designer, Artist, Occultist and Yachtsman. Derk came to writing through his interest in art and symbolism. Traned in the family real-estate and property-development business from age 15, he developed an entrepreneurial flair resulting in his early financial freedom. At age 27, on his 60ft cruising ketch Valhalla (aka South Winds) he set off in the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, on the first leg of his Pacific adventures. Soon after, an introduction to astrology started a lifetime of exploration into the occult, a theme found in most of his artwork and writing. At 47 he studied Fine-Art and conceived and convened OCNA, a national art and sculpture award. In 2012 he self-published his first novel, The Neptune Vortex, a ten-year adventure, which took his research from Australia through the United Kingdom, China and Hong Kong. The novel's ontology, Thinkons which deals with his metaphysical approach to art and creativity was published shortly thereafter. Read More Read Less