https://davidlstallings.weebly.com/

“I find being in the presence of other artists inspiring.”

What made you want to Join the Art Gym?  The Art Gym is very well staffed, equipped, and managed.  It is within walking distance to my house. Having taught art students for 30 years, the idea of working alone in a studio was not appealing to me. I like being around creative people.

How has the Art Gym helped you with your art practice?  I find being in the presence of other artists inspiring.

What are you hoping to communicate through your work?  I believe that a work of art should speak for itself, so I don’t explain my work. When viewing art we meet it halfway between its subject matter and our life experience. Based on this we all experience and interpret art in very personal ways.

Who and or what are some of your biggest art influences?  Pure, clean, natural, and wild flowing water as close to its source as possible.

What does your artwork mean to you?  Unlike the famous landscape painters of the past and particularly the 19th century, who painted what I call “God’s eye” views of nature, I deliberately paint intimate and focused views of nature that capture a sense of dependence rather than dominance. All of my paintings are places that I have hiked or backpacked to and in many cases camped near and filtered drinking water from. They are my personal expressions of a specific place.