For David, art and life have always been inextricably linked. A passionate artist, he found his way to the camera lens unexpectedly. As a graphic designer working in his studio, he reviewed some professional images given to him for print. He was not impressed and stated bluntly, “I could do better”. Challenged to do so, he bought his first professional camera and shot a few commercial stills. The clients were astonished. After shooting for a few more clients his work gained notoriety and he decided to seriously explore photography. Soon his images found their way onto magazine covers, billboards and more. David attributes some of his early success to an understanding of graphic design but isn’t too humble to admit that he “just sees things differently and photographs what he sees”. A big believer in living in the moment and the power of connections, his photos reflect this. With a designer's eye, he cultivates connection and looks for ideal moments to capture each story.
But, there is a larger story. David was encouraged by his Alcoa, Tennessee High School art teacher to pursue art. David had created a great piece to exhibit for his senior project, but someone else also liked it and it was stolen from the exhibit. This was a discouraging moment. He never lost the desire for painting and has recently returned to his first love of watercolor. He has recently sold his largest piece, a 30” x 90” watercolor of the Lava Wall in the Rocky Mountain Park. The background for this website shows the magnificent painting being created.
Since 2010 David has been fascinated with the hidden aspects of flow and movement. While attending a pow-wow in Denver, he became entrenched with the Native American movement and detailed colorful attire and its durability to withstand the intensity of those movements. This is something he was seeking to express in his work. The performer was exquisite with his moves while expressing his proud heritage and tradition. How could David not be inspired and challenged?
Being a huge fan and student of David Hockney and his take on space and perspective, David used this concept for his basis of a flat compressed visual expression of the movement. This piece of the Indian Dancer was especially challenging due to the amount of smaller details. It is a very exciting watercolor.