Like gravity, we are pulled into the vibrant, nature inspired narratives of David Krovblit. Pushing the boundaries of a keen artistic expression, we embrace it eagerly and curiously. A native of Toronto, now living in California, David seamlessly merges traditional and contemporary collage techniques, skillfully exploring the depths of allegory and the complexities of the human condition. Through his unique vision, he taps into our creative wanderlust, infusing our souls with his evocative interpretations.
Cultivating s sense of joy, the immersive botanical elements spring to life from conception to completion. Within this space, reality and fantasy converge – shedding light on the intricacies of the human spirit. In a world that often moves at breakneck speed, David Krovblit’s art beckons us to pause and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us.
Take time to explore the intricate details, captivating compositions, and subtle nuances that cultivate David’s distinct style. Let us embark on this journey through his imagined universe, where the familiar is imbued with an ethereal charm. Discover his background in commercial photography, his passion for visual storytelling, the transition to fine art collage, and the waves rushing to the shores of his artistic prowess.
This infusion of nature serves as a metaphor for growth, change, and the interconnectedness of all living things.
David Krovblit
Exclusive Interview with David Krovblit
At a glance, your work is vibrant and emotive. It speaks to human experience and conjures conversation with the intensity of narrative. Steeped in energy and curiosity alike, hints of vintage pin-up and botanical wonderlands collide with anatomical illustrations that immerse the viewer… what draws you to these stylistic elements?
The vibrant and emotive quality of my work is a reflection of my deep fascination with the human experience. I find inspiration in the complexity of emotions, stories, and connections that define our lives. The use of vintage pin-up elements adds a nostalgic touch, creating a bridge between the past and the present.
Botanical wonderlands in my art represent the beauty and diversity of the natural world. This infusion of nature serves as a metaphor for growth, change, and the interconnectedness of all living things. Anatomical illustrations, on the other hand, provide a glimpse into the inner workings of our existence, merging science and art to explore the intricacies of the human body.
The collision of these stylistic elements is intentional; it’s a way for me to create a visual language that sparks curiosity and conversation. I believe in the power of art to transcend traditional boundaries and immerse the viewer in a narrative that goes beyond the surface. Each element is carefully chosen to invite viewers to explore the interplay between the familiar and the fantastical, and to find their own meaning within the dynamic tapestry of my work.
I find inspiration in the complexity of emotions, stories, and connections that define our lives.
David Krovblit
Impressively, before moving into fine arts you were an award-winning commercial photographer. David, was photography the beginning of your creative journey? How has it helped to solidify the present? Would you share one of your earliest memories that paved the way to becoming the artist you are now?
It’s fantastic to reflect on the journey, and I appreciate the acknowledgment of my background in commercial photography. Indeed, photography was a pivotal starting point in my creative expedition. It served as a potent medium for me to capture moments, emotions, and narratives in a visually compelling way.
The transition from commercial photography to fine arts was a natural evolution for me. The skills honed in the world of commercial photography, such as composition, storytelling, and an acute awareness of visual impact, have undoubtedly played a crucial role in shaping my current artistic endeavors. Through photography, I developed an acute sensitivity to light, form, and the ability to convey powerful messages within a single frame. These elements continue to resonate in my fine art pieces, adding layers of depth and meaning.
One of my earliest memories that laid the foundation for my artistic journey is a poignant moment captured through the lens. It was an image that encapsulated raw emotion and told a story beyond the surface. This experience ignited my passion for visual storytelling and instilled in me the belief that art has the profound ability to evoke genuine emotions and provoke thought.
As I delved into fine arts, I carried the essence of those early photographic experiences with me. They serve as a constant reminder of the transformative power of art and the responsibility to create work that resonates on a profound level. The fusion of my roots in commercial photography with the boundless possibilities of fine arts continues to be a driving force behind my creative expression today.
Similarly, what shifted your artistic expression from photography to fine art collage?
The shift from photography to fine art collage came about because it allows me to create and experiment more quickly. Unlike photography, where each image is a singular moment, collage lets me blend various elements rapidly. This speed and flexibility in crafting visual narratives suit my desire to explore and iterate at a faster pace, making the artistic process more dynamic and responsive. The ability to assemble and rearrange elements swiftly in a collage aligns with my need for a quicker, more fluid form of creative expression.
This synergy between the digital and the analog not only enriches the artistic outcome but also contributes to a more immersive and fulfilling creative experience, where the best of both worlds come together in each piece.
David Krovblit
Your bio mentions using an “analog process to finish them by cutting and pasting each piece by hand”. Would you share more about this practice and the balance between your creative and mental processes?
Starting with a digital file in Photoshop and transitioning to an analog process is a crucial part of my artistic workflow. The initial phase in Photoshop allows me the flexibility to experiment with compositions, explore visual concepts, and fine-tune details digitally. Once the digital groundwork is laid, the transition to the analog realm involves printing the elements and manually cutting and pasting them.
This switch from the digital to the physical introduces a hands-on, tactile dimension to the creative process. The analog phase becomes a meditative and deliberate practice, requiring precision and a different mental focus. This balance between digital and analog processes is a dynamic interplay. The digital phase sparks the initial creative vision, while the analog phase brings it to life with a tangible, crafted quality.
This synergy between the digital and the analog not only enriches the artistic outcome but also contributes to a more immersive and fulfilling creative experience, where the best of both worlds come together in each piece.
My wish for those who engage with my work is that they find not just a visual encounter, but a profound and resonant experience. I hope that my art serves as a conduit for emotions, stirring a longing and desire that lingers in the soul.
David Krovblit
I love the humor in that your IG bio says “A slacker with ambition”. Obviously looking at your body of work, slacker is the last thing on earth anyone would word associate – so, will you tell us what that means to you or is it just playful?
Absolutely, that playful self-description in my Instagram bio as “A slacker with ambition” is a deliberate nod to a sense of humor about myself and my approach to creativity. On the surface, it may seem paradoxical, considering the dedication evident in my body of work. To me, it’s a lighthearted acknowledgment of the contrast between the stereotypical image of a slacker—someone lackadaisical or indifferent—and the actual drive and ambition that fuels my artistic endeavors.
It’s a recognition that, despite appearances, creativity doesn’t always adhere to conventional expectations or stereotypes. The term “slacker” adds a touch of irony, inviting a smile and perhaps a moment of reflection on the multifaceted nature of passion and productivity. In essence, it’s a playful way to break down preconceptions and invite people to explore the intersection of dedication and humor in the creative process. After all, creativity often thrives in the unexpected and the unconventional.
We often view art with a longing and needful desire for the experience it invokes within us, the connection it binds in our soul, and the ease of memory it helps us recall. What is your wish for those looking at your work?
My wish for those who engage with my work is that they find not just a visual encounter, but a profound and resonant experience. I hope that my art serves as a conduit for emotions, stirring a longing and desire that lingers in the soul. Through the connections forged with each piece, I aspire to create a space where memories are not just recalled but are reimagined and reinterpreted.
In essence, I hope my work becomes a source of inspiration, sparking conversations and contemplations that go beyond the immediate visual impact. May it be a journey for the viewer, an exploration of the intricacies of human experience, and an invitation to connect with the layers of narrative woven into each creation. Ultimately, my wish is for my art to be a catalyst for moments of introspection, joy, and a deeper understanding of the beautifully complex tapestry of life.
One of my favorite things to learn about and discover is an artist’s studio – the keyhole to inspiration. Where do you create, and would you briefly take us through your day? Sunshine to sunset…
This is my practice and my discipline… the morning kicks off around 4:30 – 5 am, with the routine of feeding my dog and a cup of ginger tea. By 6 or 7 am, I’m in the studio for an hour or two. Then, it’s off to the beach between 6am – 7 am. I stay till 11 am for a surf session. Post-surf, around noon, I grab lunch and head back to the studio until about 6 pm. Dinner is a brief break before I return to the studio for a few more hours. While this routine isn’t set in stone, it captures the ebb and flow of my creative process.
Some days are all about the beach, and others are dedicated studio days. It’s a flexible rhythm that mirrors the dynamic nature surfing and art.
The artist’s role is shifting dramatically in today’s dynamic landscape. With technology and digital platforms reshaping how we engage with art, I see it as a chance to amplify my reach and connect with a broader audience.
David Krovblit
I spent some time on your website and noticed you have many amazing collections. Bursting with intricacies to pique the imagination, each one feels like journey through your creative mind. Which collection is your favorite? Do you relate more meaningfully to some of your creations? If so, which ones and why?
Thank you for taking the time to explore my collections; I appreciate your kind words. Each collection indeed holds a unique place in my creative journey, but if I had to choose a favorite, it might be my Fabergé grenade Photo series. This particular collection resonates with me on a deeply personal level, as it encapsulates the themes behind my work and set the stage for my path as an artist. It was the first series I created after my career as a commercial photographer and got me moving to the place I am today.
However, it’s essential to note that each creation holds a special significance for me, akin to chapters in a novel that collectively tell the story of my artistic evolution. While Faberge Grenades is a standout for its conceptual nature and historical significance, others have their own charm and meaning, each reflecting different facets of my exploration and expression. It’s this diversity that makes the body of my work rich and continually engaging for me as an artist.
How do you feel the artist’s place in society is changing and in what ways (if any) do you feel you’ll change with it?
The artist’s role is shifting dramatically in today’s dynamic landscape. With technology and digital platforms reshaping how we engage with art, I see it as a chance to amplify my reach and connect with a broader audience. Embracing this change, I aim to use both traditional and digital mediums to explore new horizons and contribute to important conversations. Adapting is key – evolve or die.
David Krovblit Speed Round Questions
Last movie you watched?
NAPOLEON
Last song you listened to?
AFTER SCHOOL SPECIAL – Detroit Grand Pubahs
Last book you read?
DUNE
Three words to describe your work.
CONCEPTUAL
COLORFUL
HAPPY
Three artist tools you cannot live without.
PHOTOSHOP
SCISSORS
GEL MEDIUM
One thing you are most proud of.
BEING ABLE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD WITH MY ART I.E. RAISING MONEY FOR American Heart Association , LAGUNA ART MUSEUM (ART EDUCATION, COMMUNITY)
Lastly, will you tell us about your plans for the rest of the year ahead and what you hope to accomplish… if you could foretell the future, what do you see on the horizon?
In the upcoming months, amidst the exploration of sculptural dimensions and public art initiatives, I am delighted to unveil a solo show at John Wayne Airport. This exhibition represents a captivating confluence of my artistic expression with a shared space, inviting travelers to embark on a visual journey through my creative narrative. Additionally, the excitement extends globally as my art finds a home in the esteemed collection of an upscale hotel in China, adding a touch of creativity to an international setting.
About the Artist //
David Krovblit is a native of Toronto who now lives in California. His initial training was in photography, and before moving into fine art he was an award-winning commercial photographer. This background is reflected in his technique, which bridges old and new methods of collaging. Before cutting and pasting the images that are his raw material–in the same way as collage artists since the early twentieth century, he uses contemporary digital manipulation to scale and print them in the desired sizes. He then reverts back to an analog process to finish them by cutting and pasting each piece by hand.
