As a New York based business we love doing things to promote and support the local art scene.  That’s why we started the MADE IN NYC art series. This time we’ll be featuring and selling the work of artist David J. Marchi.  David is known for his “daring” acrylic abstract works that practically dance with passion and unpredictability. The three guiding principles of his artwork are color, texture, and pattern.  In these he finds the vibrations between great contrasts and can take a single painting from smooth to streaked, squared to rounded, and shimmering crimson to deepest blue. We reached out to David to find out a little bit more about him and his art.

What do you think sparked your urge to paint?

I call myself an artist “by accident.” Literally.  While vacationing in Tampa, I went out on a friends boat.

I was sitting on the front deck when the boat turned into very rough wakes. We hit a large wake and I lost my grip. I was thrown up into the air and landed in the boat. I was rushed to the hospital with a fractured back and other injuries.

Two weeks after the accident, I woke up in the middle of the night with an urge to paint. I never ever painted before in my life so this was way out of the ordinary.

That morning, I bought my first acrylic paint set, started to paint and never stopped. I believe someone had a plan for me and this is how it happened.

Did you study art or have an interest in art before you started painting?

No, I never studied art.  I collected Pop Art but never put a paint brush to canvas until after the accident.  I am self taught through what has been diagnosed as “Post Traumatic Growth”.  People need to learn about this as it changes the dialogue from “disorder” to “growth”

I really believe that creativity is in all of us. In some people, it manifests itself early in life and the path for these people starts there. I don’t believe that professional training limits the people who really believe that their gift to create has always been part of their DNA. When it’s in you, it’s just too strong to compromise with any type of training.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

I dream in colors and configurations, I see my painting finished before I start the first stroke. I see my tools in a brush, kitchen utensil, piece of cardboard. It’s really hard to explain but it just happens.

What about abstract art spoke to you as an artist?

Gerhard Richter, every day and every night.

Any words of wisdom for aspiring artists?

Visit galleries and use social media to meet people in your area. Look for a mentor, not just other artists but people who collect or people who write about art. Try not to compare your work to anyone else’s.

Proper representation to really jump-start your career is very important. I had no experience in pricing art, marketing art, curating etc. and that’s where the knowledge of galleries is helpful. Finally, paint as much as you can, you get better every day.

Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions David – it’s always inspiring to hear from artists.  We’re happy to announce that David will be doing a meet & greet at our store in Chelsea tomorrow, June 7th, 6-8pm!  Make sure to stop by and say hi and check out his art in person. If you can’t make it to the event, you can see more of David’s art on his website or follow him on Instagram.