We had the good fortune of connecting with DAAS and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi DAAS, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I knew from an early age, that I was happiest while making art. Of course, as a child, I had no idea about what a job as an artist entailed but, nonetheless, I persisted and really began to focus on a creative career during my time in Graphic Design school. I’ve always felt most comfortable working for myself and having the freedom to pick and choose which projects I take on.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I consider myself a Public Artist with a dominant focus on muralism. One of the main things that separate my work from other muralists, is my focus on community engagement and how the artwork impacts the wellbeing of the people who view it on a daily basis. Over the past 20 years or so of working as a professional artist, I’ve come to understand that what we put into the public realm, as creatives, has tremendous impact and therefore comes with a responsibility to be sensitive and thoughtful about how it affects the community. The most important goal I have as an artist is for each mural to make a connection to the people and the place in which it’s located. Having a successful career as an artist is a constant struggle, there are many peaks and valleys, all of which I believe makes you stronger and more resilient over time. I had plenty of financial, mental, and spiritual challenges on this path, but the unwavering belief in myself was the key to getting through the rough times. The most valuable lessons learned over the years tend to focus on the constant pursuit of elevating the quality of craftsmanship, building professional relationships, and being open to other people’s ideas and concerns in relation to the work being created.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a big fan of traveling, so a drive up the coast along the PCH would certainly be a must-do, possibly a camping trip to Jacumba, visiting WonderSpaces, Balboa park, and checking out the beautiful murals and galleries in North Park. I have a small pug and he’s obsessed with hanging out at the dog beach in Coronado, so that is a sure thing for the week and a quick stop by the MCASD to visit Andy Goldsworthy’s Stone egg sculpture. Lots of art-related activities and taking in all the wonderful views around town.
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 would like to dedicate this shoutout to my wife Abbie, who has always been a positive and stable force in my life, consistently offering support, insight, and invaluable critiques of my work, which encourage me to push further and do better with each project.
Website: www.artist-daas.com
Instagram: @daas
Twitter: artist_daas
Facebook: Facebook.com/artist.daas
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE_fnVQl_0AavrAmCvFPvgg