Meet David Tucker | Artist | Creative Adventurer

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

Hi David, how do you think about risk?
Risk is knowledge through experience. I am a tactile and visual learner; therefore risk plays a big part in how I educate myself. I use risk as momentum. I take risks when I am ready for a new challenge, a new adventure, a level up, or a push out of my comfort zone. Risk for me is a necessity to embolden my growth as an artist and as an individual.

My first big risk I took was to trust myself and the newly budding internet and travel to Italy at 18 years old. I studied with an Italian sculpture and cleaned out his studio in return for free accommodations. I was able to travel around the country and plan my next move-South Africa where I studied at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. I gained a lot of confidence in myself and pocketed discipline, organization, communication into my attribute toolbelt.

Post college, I pushed myself and worked overseas in Thailand & Australia. The fearless experiences have shaped my mentality; that is, how I build relationships, start new projects, research alternative methods are all defined by the global paradigms I witnessed firsthand. And as my career continues to unfold, I follow what excites me, what fuels my energy, and fulfills my curiosity.

Risk= I trust myself

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.
DTUCKS is my art alias–also known on Instagram and streetart as @filthyrichartist.

I am a Los Angeles contemporary artist, international traveler and Ivy League graduate.  I studied under painter and sculptor Luigi Cipollone in Rome and ceramicist and printmaker Nicholas Thayer in Martha’s Vineyard.  I specialize in mixed media technique in my studio in Inglewood, CA.  As the son of an Artistic Director in Choral Arts, I play with the visual representation of musical recollection.

What sets my art apart is the level of detail and combination of materials. I work with musical sheets, vintage paper, ink, pastel, chalk, spray paint, acrylics, oils, resin on wood panels. I try to push myself on every new commission–which is why I choose to label myself as a creative adventurer. For example, I just finished a sculpture for the Lamborghini Club at the Concours D’Elegance–my first big commission in 3D.

It took me a long time to develop a style and aesthetic that I felt represented who I am as an artist: And after many years of dialing in the specific process that worked for me, my audience showed up and everything started to fall into place. I would not have been able to accomplish many of my feats without the love and support of my friends, wife and family.

In the beginning of my artistic journey, I was very shy to showcase my work. I was afraid of being criticized or called a fraud. I found selling my artwork to be borderline uncomfortable, but as I grew as an artist, I also grew mentally. The mental shift played a big part in my development of creating an art business.

What people need to know about me is I am a true collaborator. I connect with clients on a very deep level. That intimate relationship leads to truly remarkable custom work. I am currently working on a project that brings these stories to life–shoot me an email to find out more: DTUCKS@gmail.com

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.
After having a baby 8 months ago, I put my socialite title on pause and moved into a new chapter of my life: domestication. Many of the new places would be kid friendly parks and beaches. The new facility SoFi Stadium that has been built next to my studio is astounding, and I look forward to the spectacles on their calendar and the containment of COVID–and excited for the new Clippers arena to be built in the next few years next door.

But if I was living in the past I would revisit my old stomping grounds in Silverlake. I love the creativity many of the chefs/bartenders in that neighborhood bring to the table: and after a few cocktails I never had a bad time ending my night at the vampire bar.

Honorable mentions:
Hollywood bowl–who doesn’t enjoy snacking outdoors in a private booth
Venice Paddle Tennis Courts–who is down for a game?
Curson Ridge Hike in West Hollywood–used to take my dog on that hike all the time
Magic Castle–its a vibe
The Getty–you know I am an artist
… there is so much to do in LA, that why I love this city.

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?
SO many people to thank, so many friends, artists, family members, teachers, mentors…

In this specific article, I want to mention the late artist Nick Thayer. He and the Thayer tribe accepted me into their household at the ripe age of 12 and opened my eyes to another level of living. I can’t say enough how his infectious attitude and radiant energy impacted the trajectory of my life as an artist as well as a person. I was fortunate to spend every summer with them until I was 18.

It was in his studio that I picked up a paint brush, opened an art book, and tasted the hustle and business side of the art world. For example, he would load up the old red Toyota truck super early in the morning for the Flea Market on Martha’s Vineyard; coffee cup in one hand steering wheel in the other, and I was tasked with changing gears on the stick shift. He hand painted, glazed and flipped ceramics, magnets, clocks, etc. Later he would sell paintings and monotypes as well as teach locally.

He had a real knack for connecting with people. I valued that trait like gold, and continue to push myself to make space for undivided attention towards others. I remember how he made me feel: loved, secure, important: every kid & adult should feel that way. We are all creative and unique, and we should be celebrated.

After he passed, I got a chance to review his sketchbook–drawings on drawings of crows. Every time I see that bird here in LA, it puts a smile on my face.

Website: www.DTUCKS.com

Instagram: @filthyrichartist

Facebook: DTUCKS

Youtube: DTUCKS

Image Credits
David Brown Claudia DiDomenico