Meet David Owens | Lawyer & Artist

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

Hi David, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I’m inspired by human connections, by people who can use words, art, or even music to reach others in a way that both validates and influences them. As a trial attorney, I’ve seen empathetic colleagues who can routinely find enough genuine, shared perspective with others to earn their trust, and then they take a risk by shedding light on it. Those connections have inspired my law practice and now I try to do the same thing with art.

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.
Please tell us more about your art.

My art is about design and color. It begins with a pencil drawing and ends in acrylic paint and resin.

I create balanced visual imagery on difficult surfaces like natural rock or repurposed wood, and tend to reference familiar images, to expedite a comfortable recognition of some shared experience with others. From there art can prompt emotion and thoughtfulness. I want it to be accessible, original and relevant.

What sets you apart from others?

My work is tangible in a way that canvas or mural art isn’t, but it comes from a place that sculpture can’t, because it’s not the result of hard material being worked into something else. Instead, I’m reimagining three dimensional objects which already exist in a defined state. As a consequence, for me, the art is inherently more accessible and interesting than painting or sculpture as distinct mediums. In any case, it’s different.

What are you most proud of or excited about?

I’m excited about creating art. However, the work has opened doors to fantastic opportunities and relationships. Recently, I was recruited by an artist in the Netherlands to collaborate on an international, art project that she designed to raise funds for Giro555, a nonprofit relief organization providing disaster assistance to Ukrainian refugees. That felt good. I also painted a tribute piece inspired by Billy Strings’ bluegrass and it got noticed by his father, who’s a wildly talented musician himself, and now it’s in his music room. The thought of that makes me smile every time I think about it.

How did you get where you are today professionally?

I worked as a scenic artist for the San Diego Opera Company with I.A.T.S.E. artists on sets for theater, ballet, and opera productions. It was an incredible place to learn about design; scale; and color. Later on in college, a TA helped me figure out that I’m a kinesthetic learner; needing to create and draw things to interact and absorb information (think doodles and creating flash cards.) My process requires creativity, so I incorporate those impulses into whatever work I do. After 20 years in a courtroom, the pandemic gave me time to create art again. Fortunately, the work is being noticed and appreciated. I’m in a really good place with it.

Was it easy? If not, how did I overcome challenges?

Nothing worth doing is necessarily easy, but putting a lot of effort into creating art doesn’t feel like work to me. I started painting more during the lockdown because it was therapeutic. Now, the challenge is thoughtfully identifying and nurturing the opportunities that were generated by that extended productivity so they continue to inspire me, and it all stays fun.

What are the lessons that you’ve learned along the way?

The primary take away from my experience so far is that consistently believing that my work is enough, is the key to any success that comes of it.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

Everybody has a story. I routinely post my art on Instagram from @rockus_s2pr and donate pieces to public spaces or gardens, because we need art that inspires creativity, which in turn, helps us broaden our perspectives and overcome prejudices. Creativity connects us to ourselves and promotes empathy. That’s what I want to be about.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m third generation San Diego so I definitely have opinions on the subject.

I’m a fan of Perry’s Cafe for a greasy, delicious breakfast with hot coffee. Everyday would be fine.

Petco park for at least 2 Padre games. There’s incredible food and beverage vending so we can dine there.

Del Mar Race Track if it’s pony season and Brigantine after..

The Belly Up Tavern books amazing bands all the time and the Pizza Port is close by in Solana Beach.

Almost any show at the Rady Shell in Jacob’s Park.

Balboa Park is cool: The San Diego Zoo; The Old Globe; and The Pradio never disappoint.

C-Level for the Lobster Sandwich and bisque with margaritas . Killer view as well.

Drive down into Baja for a day is a must.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My story changed when I met Dave Dean. He’s this really positive guy who always has a big smile on his face and is genuinely interested in people. About seven years ago, Dave got tired of looking at an ugly, vacant lot near the beach in Encinitas and turned the State-owned eyesore into a magical garden filled with drought-tolerant plants and painted rocks from all over the world. Through shear effort; unwavering conviction; and an inspirational creativity, he overcame all obstacles to create and maintain this fantastic and now internationally recognized, public space. He opened my eyes to what was possible.

Instagram: rockus_s2pr