We had the good fortune of connecting with David Dorman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi David, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Interesting questions. Life can be, and is often full of drastic ups and downs. The trick is to find that peacefulness, balance and have smooth sailing. I have definitely seen a change in my life’s balance as I move through different stages of my life. I married young, my high school sweetheart if you will, At that stage in my life everything was centered around finding or continuing steady employment,art wasn’t really in the equation, and soon raising a family. We have two beautiful daughters and now three amazing little granddaughters. At that young age balancing a career in law enforcement and family was my main focus. It was a good life. Often challenging but no regrets. After 20 years serving my communities, both in California, on two different police departments, I had to retire early due to an injury. I was still in my 40’s and suddenly my life was in disarray. Our daughters were out of high school and living their lives. I found my life out of balance, searching for a purpose, peace. We moved from California in 2003 with stops in North Carolina and Arizona, which were interesting and challenging. Fast forward to the move to Oceanside in 2012 and living near the beach. I found myself searching inward for peace and balance in my life. I struggled at first, finding a direction, a purpose. I found it through meditation, the ocean and art. While earlier in life my focus was on family, raising my kids, sharing a happy life with my wife and so on, now my focus centered on my own improvement. Meditation and the ocean are what keep me centered, balanced and thankful. I am grateful for the life I have and the balance I have found between the craziness of this world and my peaceful, although some might call eccentric at times, life as an artist. The ocean, and many other things in life gives me inspiration for my art, meditation gives me balance and keeps me centered. I believe if one learns to see the beauty around you everyday and appreciate it, the balance will come.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art. Well first off I would have to say the “professional life” of an artist is just really starting for me. While I have been creating through photography and painting for many years, it was done mostly as a hobby or therapy. I sold some things here and there but that wasn’t the main focus and still isn’t really. What sets me apart from others, I’m not sure because I don’t compare myself to other artists. My art has evolved over the years and maybe 9-10 months ago I really got into abstract expressionism. Really didn’t know anything about it, just kind of happened. I’ve never had any art lessons or learned much about the art world and could maybe only name a couple of famous artists. I didn’t even know that abstract expressionism was a thing! I was just doing what came naturally to me. I kind of make it up as I go. My styles vary as I have dabbled in oil painting, pencil sketches, watercolor, acrylic painting and just about anything else that comes to mind. Once I really discovered abstract painting things changed for me. Once I began painting freely, from the soul, my art took a turn and people began to notice. I have trouble putting into words what creating art does for me but I would say, happiness, peace, excitement and joy all come to mind. I get these feelings while creating in my studio and also when I see people reacting to my work. It really is quite satisfying. So as I continue on this journey, my second life if you will, the future is unknown how this may turn out professionally. Paintings have sold and interest seems great so far. I will continue on my path as an artist and hope to bring beauty and enjoyment to those that view my art. If I sell paintings, fantastic! If not, as long as I’m happy, bringing peace and beauty into the world, centered and living a balanced life and enjoy creating, I consider myself successful.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Living in Oceanside, California anytime I get visitors, friends and family alike, the first place to go of course is the beach! So many great spots. Just depends on what the focus is; surfing, playing in the sand with the grandkids, long walks at low tide or just sitting on the sand watching the waves. Visits to the harbor and checking out the boats and resident sea lions is always fun! There’s something for everyone! The Oceanside Pier is a must for anyone that hasn’t walked it before. Beautiful sights and sounds to be seen on the pier. Dining in Oceanside these days is amazing. Many privately owned places to get a coffee, snack or a meal, craft beer and wines, almost any kind of food you can imagine, so it just depends on what you’re hungry for. They’re all good!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have to say my mother had the biggest influence on my life. She always encouraged me to follow my heart and chase my dreams. She was very creative and an artist herself and always had a nice thing to say about my artistic endeavors. Once I moved to Oceanside and began seriously getting into photography and painting Mom encouraged me to get out there and show my work to the world. I was always hesitant , I imagine like any new artist, fear of rejection, or that your work is no good and so on, are bumps in the road we must get through to move forward. Unfortunately my Mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February 2019 and passed away in March. She never got to see me showing my art publicly. The week after she passed I promised her and myself that I would get out there and display my art to the public and let the chips land as they may. I began showing my work at Artist Alley in Oceanside on Saturdays. My life was opened to a whole new world of possibilities, people and ideas. I had found my purpose and joy. Thank you Mom! I have met so many interesting and kind people in the last year or so because of my art and living the surfer/artist life, that it’s hard to single out one person. Everyone has been supportive and enthusiastic about the art I produce and all have a place in my heart because of it. One person who has come into my life recently that I have to recognize is Logan Avant, a local businessman and surfer. He and I met through my art and Logan has since offered his office and now podcast studio, to me as my public gallery. Very generous of him. Now my artwork is displayed every day for people to view. He and I have become friends and now collaborate on different projects such as his new podcast, SoCal Vibes. I have been introduced to some of his friends, they all are great people and are also very supportive of my art. I have to mention a couple of other artists who have influenced me and supported me 100% since I have met them. Stephen Jackson, or “Seven” as friends call him, and Jesse Owens, two very talented local artists have become great friends and special people to me. Their support, advice and encouragement have helped me develop as an artist. From the bottom of my heart I thank you and appreciate our time together. There are a few special others I won’t mention by name but they know who they are and I have love and appreciation for each and every one of them.

Website: https://www.davedormanphotography.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamwavestudio/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daviddorman/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtbyDavid59
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/PhotoDave59/videos?sort=dd&view=u

Image Credits
Payton Morgan David Dorman

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