David Syre
David Syre, an artist who has mastered various forms of art, including acrylic paintings, drawings, and watercolors. Inspired by the subconscious, nature, and travel, Syre’s work has been exhibited in galleries worldwide, including the popular Burning Man event. His dedication to his craft is evident in his creative paradise, which includes a piano, a yoga and meditation room, sculptures, and even his own vineyard.
Syre’s story is just one example of the many talented makers in America. These artisans often face challenges in pursuing their craft, as they are not always seen as suitable for a practical livelihood. Many families, like Syre’s, may discourage their children from pursuing art due to concerns about financial stability. However, it is important to recognize that art and craftsmanship are not only valuable for their economic contributions but also for their ability to inspire and bring beauty to the world.
Supporting artisans and makers in America is crucial for preserving and promoting the country's cultural heritage. By buying locally-made products and appreciating the skills and talents of these individuals, we can contribute to the growth of the creative industry and support the livelihoods of these artisans. Additionally, supporting local makers allows us to own unique and one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect the diversity and creativity of America.
By recognizing and supporting these artisans, we can help preserve and promote America's rich creative heritage. Let us appreciate and celebrate the talent and dedication of these makers, as they continue to contribute to the beauty and uniqueness of the United States of America.
From farmer to artist.
The podcast tells the story of a man who transitioned from being a farmer to becoming an artist. The individual had a passion for farming from a young age, starting with strawberries and then expanding to other vegetables as he grew older and went to college. However, he soon realized that farming alone would not provide him with enough income, so he took a job with a bank. Recognizing the need for more financial stability, he decided to go to law school to afford his farming aspirations.
After completing law school and having a successful career, David became the first employee in a public defender's office. This experience exposed him to the intellectual side of the law, particularly in the area of criminal law. However, he found that practicing law was more administrative than he had anticipated, so he left the profession after a year.
David then developed a 10-year plan to create employment opportunities in his community, which was experiencing a period of economic depression. He successfully executed the plan, creating a regional resort, a regional shopping center, and a regional community. Additionally, he pursued his agricultural interests by buying land portfolios in North and South America, focusing on forestry and residential properties.
However, the recession of 2008 and a divorce forced the individual to close many of his ventures. It was during this challenging period that his twin daughters gave him drawing materials for Christmas in 2012. This sparked his interest in art, and he began drawing in 2013. In 2014, he traveled to France for six weeks to teach himself how to paint, resulting in the start of his artistic journey.
Initially, David did not believe he would go public with his art. However, in 2017, he decided to share his work with the world and started his own business as an artist. This marked a significant turning point for him, as he embraced his lifelong passion for art and pursued it as a career.
Throughout his journey, there were various moments that shaped his path. In third grade, his teacher recognized his artistic talent and encouraged him to pursue it. However, his family discouraged him from focusing solely on art and urged him to apply himself to other subjects. Another pivotal moment was attending Burning Man in 2014, where he had an opportunity to showcase his art and embrace his creative side.
Through various experiences and challenges, he followed his passion and pursued a career in art. His journey highlights the importance of embracing one's talents and passions, even in the face of obstacles. It also emphasizes the transformative power of art and the ability to find fulfillment and purpose through creative expression.
Art as a transformative journey.
Art as a transformative journey is a concept that is explored in the podcast. David went through a significant transformation in his life, transitioning from being a farmer to becoming an artist. This transition was not without its challenges, as the pandemic created problems for his plans to go public with his art. However, he persevered and continued to work on his art, finding new ways to showcase his creativity.
The initial part of his journey involved the creation of a trail from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, going across the Western Hemisphere. This trail was intended to be a form of land art, representing the values of love, compassion, and forgiveness that he had established through the study of spiritualities and religions. However, the process of creating the trail and deciding what images to put on the outside of his trailer became complicated. Eventually, he settled on an image of a psychedelic elephant, representing transformation.
The transformative power of art is further highlighted when a photographer from Vancouver, British Columbia, noticed the elephant trailer and began photographing it. This encounter led to a turning point in the artist's journey, as the photographer encouraged him to paint. This encouragement ultimately led him to go to France and further explore his artistic talents.
Throughout his journey, the artist has created thousands of drawings and paintings. He has found a particular affinity for drawing on black paper with art sticks, as it creates a wow factor and allows him to convey the depth of spirituality and the vibrant colors associated with it. The darkness of the black paper serves as a contrast to the positivity and light that he aims to express through his artwork.
The artist's process involves choosing colors and layering them on the canvas. Sometimes it takes multiple layers before an image and direction emerge. The biggest challenge for him is knowing when to stop, as it can be difficult to determine when a piece is complete. Despite this challenge, he is able to produce a significant number of artworks, often completing one every hour when he is working consistently.
Art as a transformative journey is evident in the artist's story. Through his passion and dedication to his craft, he has transformed his life and found fulfillment and purpose in his artistic expression. His journey serves as an inspiration for others to embrace their talents and passions, even in the face of obstacles. It demonstrates the transformative power of art in allowing individuals to explore their creativity, find their voice, and create something meaningful.
Follow your artistic passion fearlessly.
David exemplifies the notion of following one's artistic passion fearlessly. Despite being older and entering the marketplace later in life, he took the leap and decided to go public with his art. This decision required building a resume and showcasing his work in various galleries around the world. His determination and dedication to his craft led him to exhibit his paintings in France, Denmark, Germany, New Mexico, Argentina, Washington, and Miami.
The artist's story highlights the importance of taking risks and stepping out of one's comfort zone. He acknowledges that going into the marketplace at an older age may have been seen as unconventional, but he did not let that deter him. Instead, he chose to focus on his passion for painting and pursued opportunities to showcase his work internationally.
The artist's journey also demonstrates the impact of inspiration on creative endeavors. He mentions that his decision to start exhibiting his art began in France, where he felt inspired to paint. This inspiration fueled his desire to share his artwork with the world and led him to explore other continents, showcasing his paintings in different countries.
Furthermore, the artist's desire to expand his artistic practice beyond painting and drawing is evident. He expresses a keen interest in creating large-scale sculptures, ceramics, and jewelry. This desire for growth and exploration showcases his fearlessness in embracing new mediums and pushing the boundaries of his artistic abilities.
The artist's strong belief in the unity of humanity and his desire to address the division between people is also reflected in his artwork. He mentions that he has designed sculptures that signify the oneness of humanity and the unnecessary divisions that exist. This demonstrates his intention to use his art as a means of conveying a message and making a positive impact on society.
Throughout the podcast, the artist's passion for his craft shines through. He mentions the long hours and hard work he puts into creating his paintings, often with the assistance of others. This dedication and commitment to his art are evident in the sheer number of pieces he produces in a single month.
The artist's story serves as an inspiration and a reminder to individuals to follow their artistic passions fearlessly. It shows that age or circumstances should not hinder one's pursuit of their creative dreams. By embracing their talents and dedicating themselves to their craft, individuals can find fulfillment, purpose, and personal growth. The artist's journey demonstrates the transformative power of art and the immense potential it holds for personal and societal change.
The artist's story in the podcast emphasizes the importance of following one's artistic passion fearlessly. Through his dedication, determination, and willingness to take risks, he has been able to showcase his artwork internationally and explore new artistic mediums. His journey serves as an inspiration for individuals to embrace their creativity, overcome obstacles, and make a meaningful impact through their art. By following their artistic passions fearlessly, individuals can embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
Living in the present brings inspiration.
Living in the present brings inspiration. This is a recurring theme in the podcast, as David discusses how living in the present and tapping into the energy of one's core can bring forth images and inspirations from the subconscious mind. This concept highlights the importance of being fully present in the moment and allowing oneself to be open to the creative possibilities that can arise.
The artist's connection to nature is also mentioned in the podcast. They have a vineyard and a farm, and they enjoy walking the property and being outside. This connection to nature and the beauty of their surroundings serves as a source of inspiration for their artwork. It is evident that being in nature and appreciating the natural world can awaken the senses and spark creativity.
The artist's passion for wine is also discussed in the podcast. While they do not sell their wine commercially, they have a vineyard and enjoy making wine for their own use. This hobby serves as another creative outlet for the artist and allows them to explore different aspects of their artistic expression. It is clear that their love for wine and winemaking contributes to their overall inspiration and creative process.
Furthermore, the artist's connection to their family and heritage is mentioned in the podcast. They reveal that their family came from Norway and Sweden and settled in Washington in the early 1900s. This connection to their roots and the history of their family serves as a source of inspiration for their artwork. It is evident that their personal history and cultural background play a significant role in shaping their artistic vision and style.
In conclusion, the podcast highlights the idea that living in the present brings inspiration. By being fully present in the moment and tapping into the energy of one's core, individuals can access their subconscious mind and unlock their creative potential. The artist's story in the podcast serves as an example of how embracing one's artistic passions and connecting with nature and personal history can lead to a rich and fulfilling creative journey. Through their dedication, determination, and willingness to take risks, the artist has been able to showcase their artwork internationally and explore new artistic mediums. Their story serves as an inspiration for individuals to embrace their creativity, overcome obstacles, and make a meaningful impact through their art. By following their artistic passions fearlessly, individuals can embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and personal growth.