Conversations with K. David Bena

Today we’d like to introduce you to K. David Bena.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Born and raised in a small town of 1,800 people in Oregon, I moved to California in my early 20’s, about 15 years ago. Only taking several art classes in high school and community college, I’m mainly, and proudly, a self-taught artist. To quote John Lennon, “I’m an artist, and if you give me a tuba, I’ll bring you something out of it.”

Fast-forward to the beginning of the pandemic, a TV show I was working on was shut down, as were a lot of industries, and that time gave me the freedom to go back to my roots – and paint. And thanks to my goddaughter bugging me about painting custom shoes, I finally painted a pair for her and completely fell in love with the process. And I haven’t looked back since.

I’ve painted custom shoes for the son of Evelyn Lozada (of the reality show Basketball Wives) and former Dodger’s Carl Crawford. From there, I was commissioned to do wall paintings for the former NLF player Sean Smith. Just recently, I was given to opportunity to paint replica shoes for the 80’s era Lakers pilot show that will come out soon. I was also invited to do a Youtube tutorial for the paint company. Angelus Shoe Polish.

I attribute my consistency of receiving commissions on my high level of artwork. I may not have the biggest following on social media but people see my level of craftsmanship and say, “I want K. David’s artwork.” And that has been very humbling and I’m truly grateful. Also, my good energy plays a vital role. I just want to project good energy out into the universe and hope I get it back. That’s all I can do. The rest is out of my hands. And I’m more than happy with that.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The life of an artist is never a smooth road. Van Gogh only sold one painting during his lifetime – and it was sold to his brother. My personal journey has been finding that right niche. I was always trying to different mediums and styles but nothing seemed to stick – for decades…

Until I found custom shoe painting. At first, I was confused at to why it seemed to take off but it eventually hit me. I loved the process. It was freeing. There were no expectations put upon myself and I just had fun. And I loved that I wasn’t pigeonholing myself into one style where upon I would only be recognized for that style. I’ve painted everything from Murakami Flowers to Harry Potter to Anime. They’ve all been fun to paint and test my skills in unique ways. And that was where the fun was for me.

If an artist says they had a smooth road, they’re either lying or not an artist.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
It may sound odd to the ear but I can proudly say I’m a shoe artist. I can paint anything under the sun that a client requests. You want butterflies and rainbows? Done. Freddy Kreuger? Done. I’m not known for any specific style. I’m known for my high level of work. My favorite and most humbling compliment I love to hear is, “It looks printed on the shoe!”

When I started customizing shoes about a year ago, I had a goal: to do a Youtube tutorial for the paint company Angelus Shoe Polish. They’re the industry leader and forerunner in custom shoe supplies. And almost a year-to-the-day, I was asked to paint for them. I’m very proud of that accomplishment. It really cemented that I was doing what I should be doing.

Once I got my feet wet in the custom shoe world, I realized that there are a ton of artists painting shoes – but there are not a lot of high-level artists painting shoes. That is no disrespect but a simple observation. I encourage all levels of artists – and to all those beginning artists: never stop learning! We’re all still learning. Having said that, I think my craftsmanship and creativity set me apart from the pack.

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
I’m not unique in saying that it gave me the perspective to step back, reassess, and realize what is important. I was able to reconnect with family back in Oregon and reconsider if I should going back to work on set working 12+ hours a day, TV and film in particular. The hours were torturous and soul-sucking if you wanted to have anything resembling a normal life… 

Pricing:

• Starting price: $300 – Custom Nike Air Force 1s (new shoes included)
• Starting price: $200 – Custom Vans (new shoes included)

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: shoefurycustoms.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shoe_fury/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shoefurycustomfootwear/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyNPzRGQlTXICfFATU-LT_g