In the Studio with Artist David Zambrano
Today, we’re going In the Studio with artist David ‘DEZ’ Zambrano. Zambrano’s artwork will be on display in the Chesapeake Arts Center’s Voices of Hispanic & Latinx Artists gallery exhibit, September 7 - October 17.
David ‘DEZ’ Zambrano is an artist in the DMV area, originally from Los Angeles. DEZ has made his mark in the sneaker community as one of the best custom sneaker artists in the world. He does this for a living having worked with companies like Adidas, Under Armour, MLB, NFLPA, NBAPA, and professional athletes from almost every major sport. This does not take away that DEZ is also an incredibly diverse artist, specializing in canvas art, murals and more. His first love for art began at an early age, was cultivated at home, and exploded when he watched the classic hip hop movie Beat Street. There began a love for graffiti, urban art, bright colors and passionate statements through color and contrast. Growing up in Virginia and riding the red line to Silver Spring on the weekends to see his father, DEZ was exposed to some amazing street art. He has no formal training in art and is almost entirely self taught. When you see DEZ’s artwork you’ll immediately get a sense of emotion. Vibrant colors, dark contrast, splatters and knife strikes make up a small part of the arsenal DEZ uses to create stunning images. What can only be described as URBAN CONTEMPORARY or STREET ART, his pieces are something you need to witness in person.
DEZ’s current works are all across the spectrum. Some pieces are centered around a mix of traditional layer building using knife and brush techniques accompanied by contemporary elements such as airbrush and spray paint. The idea is to combine the old world with the new to create impactful, stunning pieces using well known, popular subjects, ie; actors, models, superstars. The artwork is meant to ‘move’ and ‘jump’ off the canvas. Another current focus is a form of pop art. These works include the use of traditional super heroes combined with popular modern fashion symbols in a form of mockery to the importance placed in today’s social media driven ‘hype’. The style is clean and to the point. The look is very pop, comic strip. But the message is clear.
What emotions fuel your work?
I've often had this on my social media and on my website in the past. 4 words that fuel every single piece: Passion, Pain, Love, Life. At times altogether and all at once, on other occasions separate and singularly. My life has been blessed with several great, amazing and awesome moments balanced by incredible loss and pain. All this fuels my art. All this brings me to the need to express myself. Sometimes the stories I can't tell verbally I can express them visually.
Do you work on one piece of art at a time, or multiple?
My ADHD is my best friend, and my worst enemy. I have a minimum or 3-4 pieces going on at the same time. I also have a full time art business so I am creating constantly every day. I often compare it to the stage showmen that balance the spinning plates, 4-6 at a time. They may fall and crash but it makes for one hell of a show.
How would you describe your style of work?
I love this question. Style is a funny thing. As an artist I think it's important to develop a look. The flipside of that is ONLY being known for one look. Some artists meet with success with one style and become slavish disciples to that style. I can respect it but I NEVER want to be known like that. I always want to be uncomfortable in art. When I feel uncomfortable I know that growth is close. It can be a frustrating and exasperating journey, but extremely fulfilling.
What’s the best thing about being an artist?
Built in therapy. the ability to exorcise demons, paint joy, mix paint with tears, simply let it all out. At work I can be who I really am all the time. No suit and tie to work in, no uniform to hide the uniqueness of who I am. No HR department telling me what is politically correct or out of bounds. Freedom. diversity of work, environment, medium, and more make it an experience all the time.
How do you know when a work is finished?
Art is never done. It leaves our hands and/or it travels to a new home, but there's always more you can do, add or take away. Pieces that I have kept over time have morphed into something new or more current. It's never clear to me when a piece is done. Thank God for deadlines.
Why did you choose to be an artist?
You can no more choose to be an artist than you can choose your skin color or eye color at birth. It's in the DNA of your soul. It is there as a burning sensation that tells you if you're not creating your dying. There exists a futility in your existence when you're an artist and not creating. Artists see the world differently, you understand it the moment you start creating.
Voices of Hispanic and Latinx Artists
Hal Gomer Gallery | September 7 2023 - October 17, 2023
Artist Reception: September 21, 6 pm - 8 pm
Gallery Hours:
Monday-Thursday 10am-6pm | Saturday 10am-1pm