David Alvarado

Painter

"... artists today more than ever have an opportunity to have their work resonate with a collective psyche that is most likely dealing with grief of some form or another."

Describe yourself as a maker/artist/creative

I am a Los Angeles based figurative artist working exclusively in oil paint. My work is realistic in execution and subject matter can range from the mundane to the imaginative.

What are you currently working on?

At the moment I’m working on a concept that will cap off the bizarre ride that has been 2020. It will be a painting about moving forward despite the challenges we face. I’m still in the preliminary stages of the idea so its been mainly doodling and purchasing props.

Has your work shifted in response to the pandemic? How?

Absolutely. I generally work with models so there has been a lot of apprehension (for myself and the model) about coming to my studio and working with someone that may or may not be infected. Luckily, I have group of models I regularly work that trust me enough so my work hasn’t come to a complete halt. I was also part of a life drawing group that came to a close earlier this year for fear of the virus.

In your opinion, what role does the creative process play in helping us confront our “new” reality?

For artists, the creative process itself is a form of therapy, so the act itself is a form of coping with our new reality. I also think artists today more than ever have an opportunity to have their work resonate with a collective psyche that is most likely dealing with grief of some form or another. We’re all human and dealing with the hardship of this pandemic to varying degrees, art can help us confront and even distract us by shifting the narrative even if it's just for a moment.

Any advice or insight you'd like to share?

This year has been unlike any other I’ve ever experienced. It has felt like an existential crisis at times and it has laid bare the weaknesses and strengths of our society and institutions but as we exit this year, I have hope for a return to the monotonous normalcy of prior years. Many of us will carry the scars for years to come but we will survive, and it will provide much inspiration for artists/creatives alike.

See more of David's work here.