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How would you describe your work?
My work can be found hanging in the Pop-Surrealism/Lowbrow circles. My paintings are super hyper stylized mirrors that reflect the baggage of our cultural influences. I try to make each piece like a mini-movie, with its own theme, characters and theatrical agenda. Usually they’re satirical statements about the sins of our society, the horrors of adolescence and the manipulations of mass media. Some have called it “Disneyland on Acid”, which is pretty funny and accurate.

Bad Mutha Wizard - © David MacDowell

With your work being quite satirical of society and media, you strike me as an artist in the same vein as Hogarth.
Yeah, that’s pretty accurate. I figure why waste time creating something if it doesn’t have anything to say. I try not to be vague and hint at things. If I find it funny that the Disney Corporation brainwashes my kid, I will paint a dead on portrait of Uncle Walt doing just that. I think the art world is hungry for more than just pretty pictures and vague stylized nonsense. It wants art with a voice that will speak what’s on their minds, and visualize what has impacted their lives. If a paintings a joke, it should at least have a punch line.

How do you execute each piece?
Usually while painting a piece, I’m conceptualizing what the next one will be. Each piece takes about 5 days from start to finish, and deadlines keep fueling the production line from there. On the technical side, I paint exclusively with a script brush to get all the details just right. I tend to use darker primary colors, to get a dramatic deep texture and depth.

Parents Just Don't Understand © David MacDowell

Do you remember how you first get into art?
I was always an observer and mocker of life’s weirdness, so I always drew it out on paper as a coping mechanism. I had above average artistic talent as a kid, and I used it to influence others and get through school. I used to just paint portraits and give them away, because I think such personal things shouldn’t be cheapened by money. In 2006, I lost a loved one, and passionately threw my soul and life force into painting full time. Since then, I’ve built an international fan base and have been blowing minds since.

I’m sorry to hear you lost a loved one. Was the person an encouraging force while they were with you?
Well, thank you and yes. It usually takes a death or a divorce or some kind of world event for people to change. In my situation, I used all my energies to be the best worker, son, boyfriend, tax payer etc. Then you wake up one day and see all that everything you’ve been has been for everyone but you. So, one day something snaps in my spirit, you have a divine moment of clarity, and destiny was decided for me to be a professional artist. That’s my story. I say follow your dreams hard, my friends!

When you were a kid with such artistic talent, do you find it separated you from your peers? Was art your only interest?
I think when most artists are young, they’re super smart, yet introverted and super sensitive. It’s a weird situation to have something that everyone wants (talent), and not having the social skills and resources to exploit it, so usually adults step in to exploit your talent for you. The same stands true in the adult world, but now we call them “managers” and “agents”. I had art teachers placing me in poster contests and scholarships yearly without my consent. Every so often I’d gets called to meetings with teachers telling me that I’ve won things that I had no idea I was entered in. Aside from winning money and gift certificates, I did win lunch with the Governor and his creepy family. What an awkward situation for a 13 year old! Aside from art, my main influences were horror movies, girls and rock and roll. Pretty typical kid I imagine.

Freaky Friday © David MacDowell

Did you study to be an artist, or are you self-taught?
I’ve always taught myself. I attended an art school for 2 years and didn’t learn a thing from anyone. My grades were terrible, but the teachers always passed me because of politics, for there was a buzz about my talent amongst the staff. I often feel that the Coven Of Academia is as stilted as any other self regulating institution i.e. Heath Care, Churches, Government. You gotta be in it to win it, I suppose. With that being said, I’ve noticed that in this life we are often blessed with one teacher or mentor that will shine a light on your path, and it’s so important that you follow their word. Get to know their mistakes, goals and limitations. This will prove the best education you will never get from a school.

So did you have a mentor?
I unfortunately never had one-but I know that it happens and I always wished that someone took the time to reach out to guide or be honest about art advice. so, I try to be the mentor/example that I never had, and always try to help/encourage other artists by sharing techniques/information and getting them into shows etc. Like any business- The art world is full of cold driven individuals, who won’t give you the time of day unless you have a “name”, or can do something for them, BUT there are a handful of down to earth non-ego artists that’ll share their knowledge and be cool. The cool ones are the established pros that have been in the business for awhile and have nothing to lose anymore. I guess they are the ones to gravitate to for sure!

For The Birds © David MacDowell

Who are your main Influences?
I am influenced by any artist/curator that commits themselves to the insanity full time. It’s a total gamble to lay your finances, sanity and heart on the line within this competitive “cult of personality” infrastructure. I’ve surrounded myself with professionals that share an undying drive to create and manipulate our visual world. Some of the greatest artistic powerful people that I worship are Walt Disney, Mark Ryden, The Beatles, Robert Hardgrave, Dan May, Andrew Hosner, Andrew Michael Ford, and the list keeps growing. I give lifelong loyalty and love to every gallery curator that has taken a chance on me and won.

David is showing at Flatcolor Gallery in Seattle this month from the 4th to the 28th.
You can also see more of his work on his own site www.macdowellstudio.com