Artist Statement - David Young
I like to think of my work as somewhere between abstract and surrealism. I use strong shapes, areas of deep perspective and balanced composition to create art that spawns a life of its own. I like to incorporate movement and dimension into my artwork. I use multiple vanishing points to augment reality making something that defies the laws of physics and could only exist in the subconscious mind.
In my designs, I am inspired by architecture and the way shapes and objects relate and play off each other. When choosing my color palette, I take inspiration from nature and its elements. I use bold, complimentary colors and strive to find balance between light and dark. With my overall composition, I am influenced by the movement of life, whether it be the daily movement of people, or the Earth's natural energy.
I believe a piece of art should take someone away from the stressful world we live in and transport them to a place of wonder. A place where they can get lost, if only for a moment, and just enjoy something non tangible to the world. When I paint, I often find myself in this place, completely cut off from the outside influences of the working world. Getting lost in the mysteries of the subconscious is a place of calm and content to me. I am an avid surfer and snowboarder and find that immersing myself in those natural elements brings balance and peace to my life. I am awe inspired by the energy of a storm on the mountain or the power of the ocean in Pacific Northwest waves. I am always attempting to bring that same energy in the art that I create.
I began my formal art education at Oregon State University, focusing on sculpture and oil painting. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Art and use a balance of left brain and right brain in my daily life and artwork. I own and operate a successful frame shop called Limitless Creations in Portland, OR. I have been growing as an artist for over 25 years by being involved in the art industry and maintaining custom framing relationships with galleries and artists. My work has been exhibited nationally as both group and solo shows. I am a father of two and raising teenage twins. I believe life is short and strive to live life to the fullest and chase my dreams