David Lee McGee
Columbus, Ohio
I was born in Pittsburgh, PA and raised in New Brighton, PA. Began drawing at very young age by tracing my father's drawings until I could draw them from memory. I excelled in art through school even starting an advanced art class after school hours. After high school I enlisted into the United States Marine Corps rising to the rank of sergeant. I served until my injuries required that I be discharged. I unknowingly suffered from PTSD and depression for years until two years ago when I was sent for tests to identify a tumor on the brain when I examined my life. I needed to make life altering decisions and still am today. I entered treatment for both the PTSD and depression when I read an article about Art Therapy now being recognized by the VA system. So I began my art career at a mid stage of my life. Art Therapy though recognized is not offered at my out patient clinic so I began my own program.
How and when did you start creating art?
I was about ten years of age when I first started. I am a self taught artist. I started by tracing my father's drawings much like today's artists redraw the drawings of the masters.
What media and genres do you work in?
I work in graphite, acrylic and oil paints. I just started teaching myself colored pencil and pastels.
Who or what are your influences?
I would have to say LIFE is what influences me most. The emotions and colors of life itself.
What was your inspiration for Remembrance?
My influence for "Remembrance" is my treatment for PTSD and the things that a combat veteran experiences. We can be removed from the trauma but the trauma will always be a part of our memory. It just depends to what extent. We have to take the power from the trauma and take responsibility for our own lives
Describe your creative process?
I look for things in life that move me or evoke a emotion or thought. Then I see it in my artists mind and begin to lay it out. I see the shapes and colors and watch it come to life before me.
What are you working on currently?
I am currently working on a few projects. I am working on a oil portrait of a good friends father who served in World War II. I am doing a colored pencil piece of a old Packard car and another colored pencil piece of a historical building here in Columbus, Ohio for its anniversary.
What are your near/long term goals as an artist?
I would like to do a few shows here in Columbus but I really do not look too far ahead. I live here in today and accept what today has to offer. I embrace the “what if” of tomorrow.
Where can people view/purchase your work (gallery, website, etc)?
I'm working on a few websites such as Flickr and Etsy. The easiest way to view or purchase my work is through Facebook. My art page is called Devildogart. https://www.facebook.com/devildogart
Artist of The Month Archives:
