Congratulations to artist David Danforth, our latest Instagram winner! David is a mixed media artist from Tampa, FL. David creates bold, vibrant artwork inspired by the outdoors: "It's not your typical fishing or hunting work. Think [Jean-Michel] Basquiat mixed with Ernest Hemingway - when you combine the two, along with a dash of neon colored street art history, you have a Danforth."
Does where you live influence your work?
"It does. I am born and raised in Tampa Bay, Florida: home of beautiful water, ecosystems, sunsets, bright colors and a pulsing culture."
Are you self taught or did you study art?
"I am self taught. I practiced using every color and material you could think of from a young age. I actually learned in elementary school that art could be profitable by bringing markers to school and giving out colorful tattoos to all the other kids during recess."
Are you a full time artist or do you create around work hours?
Why do you want to make art? What motivates you to create?
"I worked a corporate job for a long time. There was no freedom in this type of work. In art, I can be myself, do what I want, travel, get inspired and put it down on canvas."
What do you love about the mediums that you use?
"About 5 years ago. Living in Florida, we have great weather and with being outside so much people like to have art by their tiki bars, hotel entertainment areas, vacation rentals, or fishing lodges. People wanted art but I needed a solution to let them hang it outdoors in the elements."
"One [reason is that] I can use it a lot. The main factor is the non toxic element that I don't mind using at home around my family. The other is style: it gives my artwork a 3D look that is unique. The fact that I can seal artwork on other items besides canvas is a huge game changer for what I can create on."
Can you provide a brief rundown of your process?
"I don't think in profit as success as an artist. I think in ability to have freedom. If you can wake up everyday, on your own time schedule, and do what you want to do, and still make a living, I'd say you are living the dream."
"Online is with Etsy. I also go to fishing, diving, and boat shows throughout the year, and have a mobile art shop [where I sell] my originals, prints, and products that are licensed with my artwork on them."
To see more of David's work:
Visit his Etsy page: www.etsy.com/shop/DavidDanforthArtwork
Follow him on Instagram: www.instagram.com/reellocal
Congratulations on your win, David!
To celebrate all of our amazing artists, every month we will be sending out a 32 oz kit to a couple of artists who have tagged us on Instagram—and we'll share their work with the world!
Don't forget, tag YOUR ArtResin work with @art_resin on Instagram, and YOU could be our next winner!!
ArtResin: Made For Artists, By Artists.
