This Artists Chalk Creatures Are Testament To The Ability We All Have To Make Ourselves Happy Street artist, David Zinn was once a shy and nervous child who took refuge by hiding his face inside a sketchbook. His street art career began as a way to do something outside that didn’t need to involve other people, “to be honest, I just wanted an excuse to make art outdoors on a nice day” he explained. Not only has it blossomed into a city-wide project, decorating nooks and pavements all over the place, but has also coaxed the once shy young boy into a man who spends much of his time talking to people about the work he produces. The freelance designer gets his inspiration from the specks on the sidewalks, and “those specks are probably the result of a desire to cheer myself up – or at least to find sympathetic company” he tells us. This translates onto the cracks of the pavements, on the corner of walls and anywhere his adorable, lost creatures can discover life on the streets and make friends with passers-by. Testament to David’s enduring spirit, his art has become so popular that he has recently released a book, so the world can enjoy his chalk creations. You can check it out here. We caught up with David to discuss about art and in particular, a piece called, Harold had tried ham, tuna, egg salad and peanut butter. He was starting to think his friend didn’t eat sandwiches at all. The Plus: What does the term, street art or street artist, mean to you? David Zinn: I think it could be taken to mean the antithesis of “gallery art,” which is presented in a controlled environment in which it is carefully preserved. Street art is inserted into the routine of daily life and allowed to evolve or fade as fate decides. TP: What is it you love about this kind of art? DZ: I love its ephemerality. Chalk art cannot be effectively preserved, and so the requirements of preservation (which can a horrible distraction in other media) can be ignored. It is pointless, anonymous and ridiculous, and I find all these things to be excellent creative fuel. TP: Which of your creations is your favourite? DZ: I am currently most fond of this picture because it was drawn on a rare warm day in February, and I was so happy to be able to draw in a place usually covered with snow that I thought less than usual about what I was drawing. The resulting stream-of-consciousness image led to this longer-than-usual. (title: “Harold had tried ham, tuna, egg salad and peanut butter. He was starting to think his friend didn’t eat sandwiches at all.”) TP: Where has been your favourite place to draw? DZ: Any place that feels ignored. TP: Do you go out looking for places for your art or does the inspiration just strike you? DZ: I don’t go out looking for places so much as I go out looking for things that want to be drawn. TP: How would you describe your style? DZ: Childish indulgence. TP: What’s next for you? DZ: The world is a very large place, and even the places I have drawn on already have been washed clean. There is a lot of drawing to be done, whether by me or by someone else.
