David Flores
I am a visual artist who creates to praise individual and collective stories through human portraiture.My subject matter centers around “everyday people.” I craft portraits with vibrant colors and contemporary elements that aim to capture the energy and spirit of my subjects’ stories. My inspirations are drawn from the concepts and philosophies of Street Art culture and Illustration – using aerosol, acrylic paint and various graphic design techniques to construct pieces in varying styles, scales and surfaces. I use visual arts to amplify both my surrounding environments and the narratives contained within them.
My visual arts style and identity grew from the wonder and excitement I felt from first seeing murals and illustrations as a child. These works of art influenced me to learn various graphic design and illustrative techniques commonly seen in the comic books, animations and pop culture elements of the 90s and early 2000s. As my peers and the adults in my life worked to support my newly found creative endeavors, I became inspired by their stories and journeys, which brought forth the narrative aspect of my work.
As I grew as an artist, I became more grounded in my understanding of art’s purpose within society. After observing the impact of studio projects, murals and public art over the past few decades, I felt that it was time to embrace the responsibilities and privileges I have as a visual artist. Through my recent projects, I’ve gained an understanding of what it means to truly create for communities and of our human experiences, which has been strengthened through collaborative efforts, personal experience, space and opportunity, and my overarching love for the arts.