David F Horton

My artist statement:

The act of being able to express yourself is a unique gift. For me, it was also a way to maintain my sanity and keep me alive. I didn't train at the art institute or prestigious university of the arts. I picked up a pen one day and began my journey into self expression. I believe my life events shaped my expression.

I was the son of a geologist and a mother that was crippled by bipolar disorder and dissociative disease. I was the youngest of three siblings. I was also witness to a mother who attempted suicide to many times to count which eventually happened when I was 12 years old. I would loose my older brother later to suicide also. I eventually ended up homeless at 15. These experiences get you to ask “why does this have to happen to me?”,and I questioned if I even wanted to continue in this life.

I struggled with alcoholism, for which lasted for years and it didn't make things any easier. When I finally hit bottom, I was strong enough to quit drinking. I looked for ways to occupy my mind and I picked up a pen and decided to see what would happen. A miracle happened. I sought information online and learned about the masters of the artworks that interested me. I looked for the edge that they had that...

self