About David
Artist’s Statement
Humans are storytellers, and what makes us human is our ability to pass information from generation to subsequent generations, so that they might grow into a new and full place in the universe. We tell stories of our past through our objects as well. While recycling is a wonderful way to keep objects out of landfills, in some cases we can not only use more resources in the recycling process, but we can also lose the stories of our past. Just like underpainting to create a glimmer of unexpected light peeking out into the world, using historical objects as the basis of functional art adds layers of meaningful history, visual complexity and subtle intrigue to our daily objects. When I see an object it starts a cascade of glimpses of other uses the object can fill in a second life. The existing object brings into its new purpose a gravitas, like a respected elder, into the mix that can convey history, stories, and wisdom that can be missing in completely fresh materials and objects. While I many times use fresh materials, based on the meaning of the work, I primarily use pieces that bring their own unique histories into the composition and are as a result more than the sum of their parts.
My art is regenerative in that I use social, historical and practical elements to reconnect us to our past and present in order to give us a better grasp of who we are and what our potential futures can be. In putting historical objects to new uses, my work keeps often complex equipment and materials out of landfills, out of an energy hungry recycling process, while providing beauty made rich with history, and an unknowable and complex mystery that works on the imagination of the viewer to make the viewing experience participatory by giving the viewer so much to wonder about. I seek to provoke viewers to see, feel and think in new ways.
Bio
David was born to a commercial artist mother and an engineer father. Raised by his mother, everyday was art school even when in challenging circumstances until he left home at 18. David sold his first work in 3rd grade and began showing drawings in 7th grade at a monthly public exhibit in Honolulu organized by the Honolulu Zoo. David later did commissioned portraits through Mirak at the LA Design Center and exhibited at numerous shows from 1987 until 1996. In 1993 David started designing and building furniture as Oh Tookurah Design and was published in April 1994, Interior Design Magazine, South by Southwest Edition. At the time, David had furniture in several galleries throughout Southern California, from San Francisco to Palm Desert, as well as finding an interesting niche renting his furniture to movie and television set decorators. In 2000, David accomplished a significant life goal of getting a BA in International Relations from Goucher College, and went on to serve in the Peace Corps, after which he worked for 20 years as an analyst in one of the U.S. Offices of Inspector General. Upon retirement, David returned to the pursuit of art full-time in his home workshop in Holyoke, Massachusetts.
