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Defining Art in the World Now Through the Eyes of an Artist

By Viviana Puello

“Beauty of Life” Digital Media, 20”x16”

We interviewed graphic designer and illustrator David Fleshman to find out the many ways art can be interpreted in the world today.

" I am a graphic designer and an artist; I put in my best-detailed craftsmanship and the time needed to complete each project." David Fleshman

There may never be two people who view things the same way. That is because each of us has our own beliefs, experiences, and values that influence how we see the world. Yet, among all the things we share but regard differently, one of the most profound is art.

The human race has been captivated by art through the ages, generation after generation. What about now? The world has undergone many changes since great artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Pablo Picasso, and Frida Kahlo. Computers can now be canvases, cans of spray paint can now be paintbrushes, the sides of buildings can now be an artist's very own art gallery. Has the definition, purpose, and importance of art changed as well?

To answer this question, we interviewed David Fleshman. A young and promising artist based in Las Vegas, Nevada. David Fleshman is a multi-disciplinary artist who creates colorful abstract and figurative works employing painting and digital design. His works are inspired by master artists like Paul Cezanne and Wayne Thiebaudmaster and graphic designer Alan Fletcher. Fleshman successfully merges traditional and technical practices to develop a unique, cohesive style. He prefers oils on canvas and digital photography for his two-dimensional works and aluminum casting and mixed media for his sculptures.

David enabled us to explore art in the modern age by revealing what art means for an artist like him.

No matter what is happening in the world, art has always been a part of each day, whether we acknowledge it or not. So when you think about art, your work, and the work of others, what does art mean to you?

"When I think about art, I think of all forms of art and the artists that have produced them."

I feel art is a wonderful outlet for individual expression in any art form. Art allows an artist to be inspired by the beauty of the world.

One of my inspirations for creativity is all the beautiful colors and shapes of flowers. Any and all flowers make me feel very happy when I see them as they are precious gifts everyone should appreciate."

“Colorful Peacocks” Digital Media, 16”x20”

Artists have always been thought to have a secret world where they see things differently. So what inspired you to share your inner world?

"I feel that my inner or secret world where I envision things differently than others is my gift to the arts. My inspiration in sharing my inner or secret world with others is learning about what other artists are saying about the beauty of art. Art affects all people differently as it may trigger some emotional connection to the piece or a reminder of another time in their past. Art is magical in this way. No two people will have the same thoughts or reactions to the same art piece."

With so many opportunities to serve in our world today, are there any societal struggles or causes that drive your work?

"In today's world, there are so many societal struggles. There

“Spinning Flower” Digital Media, 16”x20”

are quite a few causes that drive my inspiration for my work. One of them is global warming and the animal kingdom, which includes penguins. I hope that we can solve this problem without destroying or making more animals extinct. I would like my children and grandchildren to be able to appreciate all the special creatures of this world without just seeing them in a book or on the computer. It is much more enriching and memorable to be able to see them in their own habitats."

Art has always had a place in the world, giving people the opportunity to express history and culture. With so much of society being dependent on technology, what role do artists now play in the world?

"History and culture have always been dependent on art in some fashion. Without art, we would have never known what famous

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favorite class in school has always been art. I love being creative, and I saw things a little differently when it came to making an art piece of my choosing. I also define success as having the public interested in my artwork and purchasing my pieces. In the future, I would like to be able to have my own art gallery and have an art display traveling to art museums throughout the country and the world." Committed to giving his best, David Fleshman skillfully translates complex emotions into a vibrant, dynamic, visual language. As his own emotions get entrenched in his creative process, his style develops and continues offering new views of the world we see.

Art is something that artists share with everybody else, letting it affect everything and everyone. Doing so is now easier than ever before, thanks to the internet.

Art acts as a connective thread between them and other people; art helps artists stay in tune with societal struggles and other important issues, keeping them grounded. Being so lets artists like David healthily define success. For him, being successful is simply having the gift of art and being appreciated instead of equating it with only self-serving things, like wealth and fame.

“Broken Crystalize” Jewel Digital Media,16”x20”

people looked like or what a far-off land with their culture was like. This gives the viewer a glimpse into the past or the present without having to go there physically. Today in our computerized world and with sophisticated technology available to artists of all walks of life, we have a greater opportunity to see more artists and their work from all around the world in various media. This couldn't be possible without the internet, social media outlets, and various other sites."

Success is different for everyone and in every industry. As an artist, how do you define success?

"First of all, I define success as an artist by being gifted in the arts. I had always loved various forms of art, even when I was a child. My

David Fleshman

ddalmations2@gmail.com www.behance.net/dfleshman/ www.linkedin.com/in/dfleshman/ dribbble.com/dfleshman/ github.com/dfleshman www.pinterest.com/dfleshman1/ www.facebook.com/dfleshman2/ twitter.com/dfleshman2 www.instagram.com/dfleshman1/ 702-287-0370

1991

David was awarded the Boy Scouts of America Patch Contest for the Las Vegas Area, North Star District.

2009

David earned an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Graphic Technology - Computer Graphic Design at the College of Southern Nevada.

2014

Fleshman earned the Cynthia Bunker/Joy McClenahan Memorial Scholarship for attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

2018

David Fleshman was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada.

2008

David Fleshman graduated with High Honors at Southeast Career Technical Academy High School, majoring in Animation and Digital Game Development.

2014

David Fleshman participated in the 10th Bi-Annual CSN Graphic Art Exhibition and Portfolio Review in Spring 2014

2015

Fleshman graduated with High Honors from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, with a Graphic Design and Media Bachelor’s Degree with a Minor in Art History.

“Smooth Rainbow Glass” Digital Media, 16”x20”

David graduated with his Associate of Arts Degree in Art Emphasis at CSN.

2019

David was hired as a graphic design intern with “The 7th Magazine,” located in Ischia, Italy.

This year was an exciting milestone for the artist as David Fleshman received numerous awards. Some selected awards are listed below.

2021

“The ATIM Collector’s Choice Award” from ARTTour International Magazine.

Film festival awards: “New Creators Film Awards,” “London Shorts Film Festival,” “Emerging Artists Film Festival,” and “Andromeda Film Festival.”

November 12th, 2021, David received “The ARTYA Emerald Award” from ArtTour InternaFALL 2021 | tional Magazine. 15