He studied with the Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music (CASM) at Adelaide University. Following his study, Derik’s first major role in a public work, Of The Future, took place at Tandanya Theatre in the Adelaide Fringe Festival, where he performed as a soloist dancer. 

He has since performed in Australia and around the world, including at the Southbank Theatre in London, the Belvoir Street Theatre in Sydney, and most recently at the Sydney Opera House with DANCERITES. During the London run of Namatjira, Derik was also invited for an audience with Queen Elizabeth II. Derik has performed and acted as cultural advisor for major works including Nyuntu Ngali (2010), Pinocchio (2012), Namatjira (2013), Hipbone Sticking Out (2013), Deadline Gallipoli (2014), Black Comedy (2015, 2018) and Thalu (2020). 

Derik’s first film Marungka tjalatjunu (Dipped in Black), which he co-directed and co-wrote with Australian artist Matthew Thorne, received the Silver Bear Jury Prize (Short Film) and Teddy Award at the Berlinale, as well as the Documentary Australia Award at the Sydney Film Festival.

Derik currently lives in Adelaide, where he works as an artist and education worker.