Today we’d like to introduce you to David Everett.
Thanks for sharing your story with us David. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
As far back as I can remember, I always had to have my hands in something – whether it was “Play-Doh” or finger paints, I have always had a need to create. Over the years, I’ve worked in many different mediums, including watercolors, acrylics, quilt making and soft sculpture. It wasn’t until I started working in paper-maché that I really felt “at home!”
Using my background as a professional Graphic Designer and illustrator, I design my creations based on the inspiration that I find in vintage holiday decorations and traditional folk art images of the past. Of course, I put my own unique and twisted touch on everything I create!
I work primarily with paper-maché and air-dry clays, sculpting each and every creation by hand (no, I do not use any molds). Each sculpted piece is given a primer coat of gesso, painted in acrylics, sealed, details are added in oil paints, more sealing, staining, and then sealed again. It’s a lot of work, but each piece has its own individual character – one that will hopefully bring a smile to a customer’s face.
I have an irrational love of all things “Halloween!” Ever since I was a kid, I found Oct. 31 to be a truly magical night. I tend to create pieces that are “creepy-fun”: skeletons, witches, pumpkins, anything that goes “bump in the night!” Although I do put my own “spin” on other seasons as well (Christmas, Valentines, etc.) my true passion (and the bulk of my work) is Halloween-inspired.
I have a loyal following of collectors that continues to grow each year. Most are Halloween enthusiasts across the U.S – my furthest collector lives in Finland.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My struggles, as with many artists, was finding the perfect medium that best suited my style. My first venture into selling my art was with soft-sculpture creations that I designed and sewed. I sold several times at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena and various arts and crafts shows in and around the Los Angeles area. But, as much as I loved creating with fabric, I never felt that I had the skill set necessary to bring to life the ideas that were rolling around in my head.
It wasn’t until I discovered air-dry clays that it all clicked into place. Suddenly, I had a medium in my hands that could be used to bring my ideas to life. Of course, working with air-dry clays creates a unique set of obstacles. Most of what I’ve learned is self-taught with lots of blood, sweat and, yes, quite a few tears. And although I have a firm grasp on what my medium can and cannot do, I am constantly pushing it as far as I can go to see to where else it might lead me.
Please tell us about Chicken Lips.
Through my art business, Chicken Lips, I create unique, one-of-a-kind artwork. I specialize in Halloween and seasonal creations sold online and at quality arts/craft events throughout Southern California. My next stop will be the Midsummer Scream held in Long Beach on July 28-29.
What sets me apart, and why my collectors keep coming back, is my own unique spin on Halloween and seasonal art. I strive to create quality pieces of art that collectors will hopefully cherish for many years to come. I would categorize my creations as whimsical, goofy, and often times mischievous.
I have a real love for skeletons… oh, who am I kidding… I am OBSESSED with them! As a kid, I use to be afraid of them, but somewhere along the way, I learned to love them. Skeletons are my most popular design and have become my signature creation. I create them all year-long and have found a way to incorporate them into almost every major holiday. I have collectors who decorate their homes every season with my skellies. It’s nice to know there are others out there that are just as obsessed as I am.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Nothing. Although I experimented with many different mediums and styles over the years, I believe it was through those trails and errors that molded me into the artist I am today. Even now, I still refer back to some of my earlier work as a way of looking at how far I have come and where I can still possibly go as an artist.
Pricing:
- My original sculptures range from $75 to $1500+
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chickenlips.biz
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/chickenlips_davideverett
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/chickenlips.folkart
- Other: www.etsy.com/shop/chickenlipsfolkart
Image Credit:
David H. Everett, Chicken Lips
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