Daily Inspiration: Meet David Foster

Today we’d like to introduce you to David Foster. 

Hi David, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My art journey began when I was a little kid. I remember drawing monsters and aliens as a kid from the side view so I wouldn’t have to draw the entire face lol. My mom is an artist as well and as a kid, I used to see her portfolio drawings and think they were really cool. My mom was definitely a big influence for me to create as a kid. I used to draw weird things all the time. Aliens, monsters, and creatures from final fantasy because my dad and mom used to play it all the time on PlayStation 1. 

As time went on, I continued drawing and joining art clubs at school. In middle school, I had the chance to audition as an artist to go to Stivers School for the Arts in my hometown Dayton Ohio. I went to school here from middle school through high school. This school really allowed me to develop a true love for art and learn a range of different techniques and mediums. I was introduced to printmaking, abstract sculpture in plaster, steele, clay, and a world of other mediums. Stivers truly allowed me to explore and develop the strong foundational skills I have now! 

In 7th and 8th grade my friends and I would always have rap battles in art class. We would make a beat on the table or just freestyle acapella. Cracking jokes and roasting each other to the beat of our pencils and tabletop drums. As we matured and are now adults, the music that used to inspire us as kids rapping at lunchroom and art tables, can now be seen in the various works of art. Representing hip hop and r&b moguls such as Rihanna and Old Dirty Bastard, to creating images of black people in strong, beautiful portraiture. 

Transitioning into college and adulthood my hunger to explore mediums continued to grow. I began creating sculptures that reflected our carbon footprint, as well as performance pieces that spoke heavily to the oppression that black people experience within society from police brutality and systemic racism. Currently, I am using textiles such as foliage to incorporate within paintings to demonstrate the natural beauty and the idea that we as black people are natural to the world. 

I also enjoy doing light-hearted pieces and having fun by making tie-dye clothing such as hats, hoodies, and t-shirts. I find joy in doing random doodles and recreating cartoon characters that I love watching even to this day. Cartoons like Courage the cowardly dog, Dragon ball z, Dexters Lab, and more. I take pride in creating commission pieces for others when they reach out. It shows me that people not only love my work but want me to create something special just for them. That’s one of the best parts of being an artist. Taking someone’s idea, or vision and having the skill to bring it to life for them. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has not always been butterflies and rainbows. Often times find myself in a creative slump where I must force myself to create or I will take a long break from creating because it can get overwhelming at times. Or the times when you do three or four pop-up shops and shows, but actually lose money because I made little to no sales. 

All The “nos” from applications sent into galleries and different art shows definitely has been a challenge as well. At the end of the day, I don’t let the setbacks stop me from moving forward. There is no such thing as failing, only learning points. Each no, or sale lost was a learning point to get better in the future. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I enjoy working in a range of mediums, but I specialize in charcoal drawing, as well as painting. The piece I am personally most proud of is a charcoal drawing of Nipsey Hussle. I am most proud of this piece because he was such a great figure and leader within the black community, also because of the strength and boldness of the drawing. 

I would say I’m known for being able to be versatile and represent pop culture in a range ways. Reflecting serious matters such as systemic racism, as well as playful fun pieces like Dexters Lab. All of my pieces represent the community and the reality that I myself have grown up in. 

What sets me apart is the fact that I don’t have a set style outside of my actual skill set. My bodies of work range greatly giving viewers a peak into my thought process and the ways in which I work. I create what I WANT to create. If I think it will look cool or dope, I’ll make it. I make art for me and what I want to represent. 

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lessons I’ve learned along the journey, are simple. 

1. No matter what, never stop creating.

2. Always assume intentionality when looking at artwork before critiquing.

3. Create what you like and what you want.

I have learned these three things at different points throughout my life but they have stayed with me always. 

Contact Info:

• Email: dfosterart.myshopify.com
• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DFosterArt
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dfosterart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DFosterArt/