A Gathering Place…..

Welcome to the Visiting Artists section of WildesArt. This is a gathering place of artists, songwriters, musicians, prose writers, and poets, who are creating for the love of creating and touching lives. I am a curious sort of person, so I always wonder what makes such talented folks who they are. What experiences and beliefs have led them to what they are doing at this point in time?

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Visiting Artist – David Childers                                                                                                   by Barbara Hengstenberg

Our first Visiting Artist is North Carolina’s prolific singer/songwriter/musician/artist, David Childers. I was first introduced to David’s music through my friend Michele West, who encouraged me to listen to the honest talent of this man. As I dug a bit into his background, I quickly realized that David is also a gifted painter. After having many “discussions” with David about art and music, I am delighted that he has agreed to be a part of WildesArt. David’s paintings are not to be found in any galleries; they are found amongst his home and his yard.

Therefore, I’m proud to say that WildesArt may be the first to showcase his work!  Take some time to read about this man, listen to his music, and look at his art. I can’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon…or more!

As I write this and collect David Childers’ thoughts, I am looking out at half a foot of snow that fell atop our solid layer of 2-plus feet here in Connecticut. David Childers is rocking on my speakers, warming me up with remembrances of North Carolina. David doesn’t mince words in his songwriting, nor does he often hold back his powerful voice. And once you see his artwork, you realize that there is a raw energy at the ready in this man…just awaiting a pen or a paintbrush…or a guitar and microphone. David is an artist in so many ways…and we are lucky to have such a gem in our midst!

I wasn’t a bit surprised to learn that David is a practicing attorney, serving clients with disabilities. Such a commitment may be enough for most; however, David continued touring and recording until it came to a halt in 2007 when the strain of his profession collided with his grueling tour schedule after recording 10 albums. In 2010 after a three year musical hiatus, David started performing and recording once again. Lucky for us, he is now back in full swing!

Building Talent:

What goes into building such talent? According to David, he has sold classified newspaper advertising, collected garbage, dug ditches, slung slop in a cafeteria line, picked tobacco, hauled furniture and appliances, and he says he’s ashamed to admit that out of financial desperation, he was once a strike breaker. Surprisingly, David says that he failed miserably at teaching poetry. I find this hard to believe, but wouldn’t be surprised that this may be modesty speaking.

Influences and Inspirations:

David tells me that everything he has ever seen or heard and can remember has influenced him. His biggest artistic hero is his son, Robert Childers, who, according to David, creates art, music, and literature in a uniquely localized and immediate way that pays homage to no one and is fiercely independent and sure. Robert collaborates with his father on the current Serpents of Reformation album.

Personal Philosophy:

When asked about his personal philosophy, David contemplated this a while. His response reflects a truly ecumenical belief: “My philosophy is one of tolerant, churchless Christianity informed by stories and teachings in the New Testament of the Holy Bible. I respect other people’s religions or non-religions and only ask that they do the same for me. I look to my Heavenly Father to provide my daily bread and, in exchange, I aspire to reflect the teachings of Christ in how I interact with other people and creatures.”

Joy:

This is a man who appreciates all that life brings him. What brings him joy? “My wife, my home, my pets, my work, my art, being alive, being able to walk and talk, to make music for people and see them smile and dance. It also brings me joy to see people get the help they need and to play some part in that process.”  David Childers, thank you for bringing joy to so many through your music and through your art. I highly recommend to those new to David’s music, take a listen. If you are already a fan, I hope you’ll also enjoy his art. Thanks too, David, for contributing to this gathering place of folks who are creating for the love of creating.

I have borrowed David’s lyrics from Don’t Be Scared to create the drawing, Walk With Me: “Come and walk with me through the garden. Let us speak of the things that will be. Let us squeeze all the life of our moments together and never surrender our dreams…” David has asked that all profits from this print go to the Greater Charlotte SPCA. (Contact me by posting herein or at [email protected] if you are interested in this piece.)

David Childers welcomes your comments, questions, or more discussion. He may be reached at [email protected] (yes, two c’s in the name) or on Facebook.

Visit David’s website at:   www.davidchilders.com

Watch videos by David Childers: