Meet David Chadd | Artist

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

Hi David, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Growing up, my father always had a sketch pad in hand wherever he went. He would sketch the trees in the backyard, a new fence or deck he wanted to add to the house, or just a simple landscape of a field. I would take my dads sketch pads and copy his drawings to learn how he worked. That is when I knew I wanted to become an artist. I had many dreams as a kid to pursue something creatively but as I got older and started experimenting with different artistic outlets, painting became my forever obsession.

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.
As I made my way through college, I started to realize that abstract painting was something I wanted to focus on. After hiding my sexuality as a gay man until I was 21, painting gave me a way of expressing myself without having to do it out loud. I could paint anything I want and it would be open to interpretation by whomever was lookin at it. My art started out very dark and emotional. It came to mind that I was painting my emotions right on the canvas and didn’t even notice it. As I came out, my art started to lighten up and become more bright.

Through my years of painting, I have changed my “signature style” so many times. But why do artists have to have a “signature style” anyways? Can’t we just paint whatever we are feeling that day? I found myself in a creative rut for a few years, only painting what clients wanted to and not what I wanted to. This made me not want to do art as much anymore because it no longer was fulfilling to me. Recently I started a new career in Interior Design which has lit a creative fire in my heart, sparking a new series I have called “suppressed”. This series is about the years I painted with heavy influence by the client and not my own self. I have learned that it is very important to stay true to your art and to not let other people influence your style so heavily.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Dallas has always been one of my favorite cities to be in. It is extremely diverse and full of amazing restaurants and art. Mine and my husbands favorites changed frequently because Dallas is such a fast growing city with new restaurants and activities popping up every week. Georgie by Curtis Stone is my current #1 restaurant in Dallas. The décor and design is superb and an interior designer’s dream. The food has never disappointed and the staff knows how to take care of their diners. It depends on the vibe of the evening but if we want to have a chill night, we love The Library bar at the Warwick Hotel in Oak Lawn. It is a dark, sexy, quiet bar with great cocktails and snacks. Just short walk from there are all of the gay bars which are always fun if your are looking for good music and inexpensive cocktails! Bishop Arts has become our new favorite hangout for a day brunch and drinks after. Everything is walking distance and the restaurants are all decorated with finesse and style.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First I would like to recognize my parents. Maria and Wade Chadd, for always letting me explore my creativity in numerous outlets including attending design school at Iowa State University. They both encouraged me to do whatever I want in life, even if that meant becoming a “starving artist”. I would also like to shoutout my husband, Brad Pritchett, for helping me grow as an artist in the Dallas community. He helped me promote my work and sell more than I ever have before. He encourages me to work hard and keep my artistic mind turning for new ideas.

Website: davidchaddart.com

Instagram: @davidchaddart