David L. Anderson

A YOUNG VISIONARY

David began displaying talents of a visionary at the early age of five. Being very shy, David discovered that it is easier to communicate by drawing a detailed representation of his expressions, rather than verbalize it.

It was the need to communicate that was the true foundation from which David has captured the attention of many people with an appreciation of the arts across the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and four countries in Africa.

His artistic gifts were noticed and embraced, first by the staff of the local Boy's Club. Their focus on David's gifts resulted in National exposure and recognition.

ART AFFORDS OPPORTUNITIES

David's God given gifts have also afforded him opportunities that would have never been available to a child growing up in the welfare system within the inner city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. There he began selling and presenting his art, some to U.S. Solicitor General (for President Jimmy Carter), Wade McCree. At 17 years of age, David was speaking and exhibiting his art at schools, colleges, and participating in a program with actor James Earl Jones in LaCrosse. David even had the honor of meeting and appearing on the cover of a magazine with the late Jesse Owens.

Nothing has affected David like the two trips he was blessed to make to Africa. The first was a gift from the late Brother, Booker Ashe; David donated artwork to the House of Peace. On the second trip David presented artwork to an Ashanti King. Both trips, David shot 60 rolls of film. David went from being a shy child to speaking and displaying his artwork all across the country, to include being the commencement speaker for the 2003 program at Roosevelt Creative Arts Middle School in Milwaukee. David has also been successfully juried into a number of art shows around the country including six stints at the National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta, GA.

 

GOD SPEAKS TO DAVID

David would rather be referred to as a visionary, creating visual statements. He no longer uses the term "self-taught." He calls it, "God prepared." David never approaches an art project the same way, nor is it likely he ever has. God seems to give him a visual message and tells him how it should be expressed, using whatever media is necessary. David is deeply rooted in the will of God; this is reflected in his paintings. David has also been called a "Blues Artist"; people say that they can see pain, tears, joy, social issues, heritage, sadness, culture and history in his art. David has used artwork to address social concerns or make social commentaries. David's business name is N2D Arts. This title is befitting because for most of David's life he has played drums, including playing for Ko-Thi Dance Company from 1970 - 1973.

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