Recent interview I did for LadyGunn.

story / JORDAN BRAKEMAN

California native David Flores has made his stamp across the world from Dallas and Tokyo to Mickey Mouse and Basquiat. His career began in the skateboarding industry and today stretches to murals across the globe, limited edition vinyl toys, and more. He is best known for his self-coined “Stained Glass” style. In 2011 he did a collaboration with photographer Phil Stern where he injected his stylized aesthetic on notable icons such as James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, Marlon Brando, and Frank Sinatra. David is one of over 75 artists participating in the Branded Arts charity event on October 25th at the TCL Chinese Theatre to benefit Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services. Tickets can be purchased here or at the door.

Why are you drawn to the arts?

Pun intended? I’m not necessarily drawn to the arts as much as I am born to the arts. I would also add that at some point in an artist’s career it becomes a lifestyle just like anything else, If you’re a lawyer all your friends are lawyers or in a related field. If you’re a cop all your friends are cops. After a while it’s hard to get out.

You’re participating in a charity event that will help disadvantaged youth. Can you talk a little about your experience with art as a kid?

My experience with art as a kid growing up with a very art inclined mother even though she won’t admit it. She is a very artistic woman. I would love to draw as a kid and draw the things I would see. Getting kicked out of school for drawing really naughty things. The support I received came mostly from my peers.
 
You’re a teacher in addition to being an artist. In what ways do you think art is necessary for one’s development?

I think early on it could be seen as a challenge and a problem to be solved. Problem solving, color theory, aesthetics, composition. All these things that you gain through an artist prospective also help lots of other related things in your life.
 
You’re well-known for your murals and other large artworks. If you have to pick a place you’d love to stamp with your work, where would it be?
 
I would love to put my artwork on the wall at Parco Museum in Tokyo, Japan, but we just did that this year. So, the Eiffel Tower, definitely space, maybe on the space shuttle.

November 12, 2014 5:54 AM

Despite Santa Barbara’s strict building code, the Architectural Board of Review unanimously approved a permanent permit for a mural painting of Maurice Sendak’s “Where the Wild Things Are” on the rear exterior of the Church of Skatan.

Painted by muralist David Flores, the mural’s fate had been in limbo because the skate shop’s owner, Anthony Buyalos, hadn’t acquired a permit at the time the mural was painted on the wall facing REI, the neighboring sporting goods store.

Last year, the board approved a temporary permit for one year. Had the permanent permit request been declined, the store at 26 E. Gutierrez St. would have been required to remove the mural.

“We’ve had massive positive response (to the mural),” said Krishna Buyalos, representing Mr. Buyalos at the meeting. “Unfortunately, we didn’t go through the correct process … but we were given a spontaneous opportunity to get to do this.”

The board concluded that the mural had artistic merit that warranted preserving.

Paul Zink, board chairman, read aloud a recommendation letter from REI expressing its appreciation for the mural.

“We are very happy to see this wonderful piece of art rather than just a plain old building,” the letter read. “The mural not only improves the aesthetics of the parking lot but provides enjoyment. We often see people taking pictures. The mural also has deterred graffiti.”

Permanent standing for the mural isn’t enough, however, said Ginny Brush, executive director of the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission.

She recommended signs near the mural to provide more information about Mr. Flores and his work.

“David’s work is distinctive and he continues to gain national recognition for his large-scale commemorative murals,” Ms. Brush said.

Kyle Fournier, manager of Church of Skatan, said the store has been limited in what it has been allowed to post on its exterior walls. The store even had to take down a small sign near its entrance that read, “Go skate.”

Failure to remove graffiti or art from public buildings in downtown Santa Barbara can result in hefty fines, Mr. Fournier said.

“We barely have any banners or anything even saying we’re a skate shop,” Mr. Fournier added.

Keeping the mural is justified because of its quality, he said.

The board also concluded that other means to preserve artistic integrity should be explored.

-m.hedenberg

“Where the Wild Things Are” is painted on the back of the Church of Skatan at

26 E. Gutierrez St.
STEVE MALONE / NEWS-PRESS

Printed by Richard Duarto at Modern Multiples. RIP homie thank you for everything

Richard Duardo

 
Join us November 4th, 2014 at Azusa Pacific University Theater
for a conversation with Associate Dean, Jim Daichendt and myself
Followed by a mural dedication and open reception.