I am excited to introduce you to my latest Artist Spotlight Series feature as introduced by Margaret Cheatham Williams.

  His work has a nostalgic nod to the Memphis movement in my opinion which I adore. 

Enjoy getting to know

David Esquivel

Aurora, Illinois

What is your training? 

 I’m self-taught. I started seriously painting when I was 18. After deciding not to go to college, I spent every minute I could drawing and painting when I finally got the chance to. Now 8 years later at 26, I’m finally feeling confident enough with my work to call myself a painter.                 

What inspires you and your designs?

I love the natural odd moments that happen in everyday life, moments that shake us out of our routines and open our eyes even if it’s for a second. I do my best to recreate small moments in my work that have that same feeling. I really love nonsense.

 What is your favorite piece? 

“For Only You”, it’s a painting where there aren’t a lot of moving parts but it’s one that say a lot for me in its stillness.

How has your area influenced your work?

Growing up on the eastside Aurora things were rough in my neighborhood. I experienced a lot of crazy stuff but for whatever reason I was able to just be a witness to it all, nothing ever happened to me. I always seemed to find peace in the strange chaos. I love finding some sense and calm in strange areas and that is essentially what my work is.

What is your favorite restaurant in the Aurora, Illinois area?

Taquiera Durango, a little hole in the wall taco spot that’s the best.

What is your favorite cocktail?

I’ve never been a drinker so I’d just be somewhere with an iced green tea

How do you balance personal life and work?

I don’t really. Trying to be a full time painter, it’s all work at this point. Hopefully it all pays off so some personal life can be mixed in soon.

Dream trip?

I’d love to visit Easter Island. It’s such an isolated place where people were creating those incredible sculptures. It would be really nice to spend some time there.

Dream commission?

I’d love to be hired to paint a series based on a certain location. If South Korea commissioned me to paint representations of their landscape, that would be the greatest!

Your favorite host / hostess gift to give?

Recently I got some East Fork Pottery and it’s all so nice. If I could, I’d keep their mugs on deck to give away.

Who is your style icon?

 I don’t have one. I kind of dress like a neat mess if that makes sense. Whoever out there fits that description can be my style icon.

Your favorite up and coming artist?

The photographer Nora Lowinsky. Her work is so human and heartfelt. I’m a huge fan and am very inspired by her and her work.

Also another great up and comer is Nicholas Vacchiano. He’s a super unique artist making incredible work.

 What is your most treasured possession?

 I don’t really have any. I’m not a very materially sentimental person.

Although, I did just buy my first proper adult bike and it’s my favorite thing!

What are you reading?

 I’m currently too all over the place to be reading but a friend is summarizing Ask The Dusk by John Fante to me and I feel like I’m reading it. It’s a really great book it seems.

What are you listening to?

Nickelus F & Ohbliv’s mixtape “YG2”, one of my all time favorites.

Also anything Joanna Newsom. I think she’s the greatest songwriter ever and she does it while playing a harp!

What are your favorite blogs / publications?

I’m a big car lover and am constantly dreaming of all the cars I’d love to buy and rebuild so I’m constantly on Bringatrailer.com

Check out David’s portfolio, shop and be sure to follow him on Instagram too. 

Daily Desires:

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