"David Clancy: Crafting Artistic Significance - An Inside Look at Sculpture, Curation, and Transformative Creation."

David Clancy is the proprietor of one of Deerfield Beach's two publicly accessible art galleries, offering a unique opportunity for art enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the profound world of artistic significance. In addition to his own gallery, he curates an impressive selection of artworks from diverse collections showcased at galleries in Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach, Florida.

In our interview, David will delve into the genesis of his artistic journey, exploring the fascinating creative process behind his unique sculptures. His creations are a seamless fusion of structural steel, plaster, and LED lighting, where light serves as both a source of energy and a reflection of his inner illumination. He will also share insights into his collaboration with discerning high-end clients, who actively participate in the co-creation and transformation of these sculptures, experiencing a truly profound and transformative artistic journey.

Denise Coyman with David Clancy. 

Denise Coyman: Your art is stunning! It's something I have not seen before. What was your inspiration?

David Clancy: Thank you! It's a pleasure to speak with you. I am inspired by life itself and all the beauty that surrounds us. I take this inspiration and use various mediums, with my favorite being relationships. These relationships can be with friends, lovers, or nature. It's the connections and interactions that influence my work. A close second in terms of inspiration would be my work with plaster.

Denise Coyman: What's the first step for you in the creative process? Does it start within your own imagination, or from an external object that inspires a vision?

David Clancy: Ideas develop slowly for me, and my inspiration usually comes as a response to my love for whimsy and the fun of creating. Currently, I'm developing several collections, such as "Love in black and white," which feature plaster on copper and wood. I'm also working on "Life Begins with Change," represented through illuminated demolition debris sculptures, integrating the structural steel as its vibrational antennae.

In my creative process, I seek to have fun. After enjoying a delicious breakfast at my local Dandee Donut Factory, I head to my studio to make cool stuff. Sometimes it's the concept that inspires a direction, combined with my affection for the medium and my experience with it, that gets the project moving. Problems that arise during the creative process stimulate my imagination, and this is how I create. It parallels my approach to life: establish a direction, select the topic and medium, and think of creative ways to enjoy the journey. I don't worry about getting it wrong because I'm never finished; these pieces of art represent life in many ways.

Denise Coyman: How important is lighting for you? I've noticed you implement a lot of LED lights in your pieces, particularly the leaves.

David Clancy: Lighting plays a crucial role in my art. My sculptures are made of white plaster, and they lack definition in the absence of light. When they are illuminated, they come to life, creating a dimensional vibrancy. They become reality when they are lit up. Each sculpture is like a perfect mirror image of the life it once had, and they have a story to tell. They create their own light, and I supply the spark with hidden LED lights. The leaf itself captures the light and reflects it back to the viewer. My art's contrast between light and dark allows us to manipulate our perception and find satisfaction. Just as in life, we choose to focus on the good and the bad. The light in my artwork serves as a metaphor for Source Energy, and it reflects our own inner light back at us.

"My art's contrast between light and dark allows us to manipulate our perception and find satisfaction."

Denise Coyman: What was the first piece of your exposition?

David Clancy: The first piece of my exposition was the sea grape branch and leaves. This artwork inspired my belief that I would one day have a gallery opportunity. It was created after solving various technical challenges and reaching a point where I felt confident about displaying it. The dynamic nature of the art in dimensional perspective and the way light plays through it to create shadow images of the leaves is what makes it remarkable in my eyes. It's also just plain pretty, and for those who resonate with it, it brings feelings of joy and ease. This piece was the inspiration for my exposition.

Denise Coyman: Which piece is in your heart and is the best?

David Clancy: The piece that holds a special place in my heart is my very first leaf, which I cast from a small houseplant. I made it on a whim using leftover mud from a wall repair at work. I sculpted it quickly and gave it to my friend Katrina, who kept it on her desk for several years. This simple leaf was the seed that I planted, and it's bearing fruit today. Thinking about its meaning gives me goosebumps. It was the beginning of my journey as an artist, and it remains my favorite piece.

Denise Coyman: What emotions do you experience when you see your art in a museum? Is recognition important to you?

David Clancy: I feel satisfied when I see my artwork in a museum. It's a profound sense of accomplishment. Walking into my gallery and appreciating the authentic presentation of the sculpted leaf castings, with the contrast of rich wood tones, white plaster leaves, and copper and steel accents, gives me a sense of fulfillment. The audible "wow" from visitors when they see my work also adds to the emotional experience.

As for recognition, I don't always associate the appreciation of my artwork with recognition of myself. I appreciate that my art allows me to share my perspective with people, and their appreciation of my thoughts does make me feel recognized. I do enjoy that recognition.

Denise Coyman: Is the public ready for your art?

David Clancy: Yes, the public is ready for my art. On the surface, my art is accepted and appreciated by a wide audience, and individuals at various levels of understanding can find something to appreciate in it.

"I want to reach those who are asking the questions for which I hold the answer."

Denise Coyman: Do they understand your art?

David Clancy: My art has a straightforward presentation and doesn't require viewers to challenge themselves to appreciate it on the surface. As I engage with viewers and explain that my art is a representation of life or vibrational transceivers, those who understand these concepts appreciate it from a different perspective.

Denise Coyman: What is your mission as an artist?

David Clancy: My mission as an artist is to share my perspectives on life, the principles and beliefs we form for ourselves, and how individuals govern personal change and perceive the future. I want to reach those who are asking the questions for which I hold the answers. Living in my eternal now and allowing the unfolding of life with appreciation is integral to my mission.

Denise Coyman: What role has art had in society?

David Clancy: Art plays various roles in society, as it represents the power of creation and the evidence that we are all creators. It illustrates individual perspectives and serves as a tangible expression of vibrations that require translation to be appreciated. Art is a co-creation between the artist and the audience, providing a platform for the exchange of ideas and emotions.

Denise Coyman: Do you have any artists who inspire you?

David Clancy: While I don't have a specific artist in mind who inspires me, I'm inspired by the collective expression of artists in all forms. Their creativity inspires me to live more freely and believe that life is meant to be lived, enjoyed, and continuously improved.

Denise Coyman: Do you have any dreams?

David Clancy: Yes, I have dreams. Life sometimes feels like a dream in itself. I dream of being free in every sense – physically, spiritually, and financially. I want the freedom to express myself openly, to share my inner creations and thoughts without judgment, and to inspire others to do the same. I dream of living so far outside my comfort zone that I feel free to be myself and inspire others to find their inner light and uniqueness. I have dreams, and they are about freedom and self-expression.

Denise Coyman: What is your customer profile?

David Clancy: I primarily sell my art to high-end clients who are seeking unique artwork to complement or create exquisite interior spaces. Much of my work is sponsored by designers and decorators whose clients range from residential owners to commercial architects and space planners. On a very limited basis, I select clients to work closely with a co-creative experience of transformation. In this process, we design, build, and install sculptures in their own spaces, with full credit for the collaboration.

Denise Coyman: Where can I purchase your art?

David Clancy: I sell my art directly to customers through social media and word-of-mouth advertising. I create one-of-a-kind commissioned pieces tailored to the collector's preferences and the desired location for display. Prospective owners can contact me through Instagram at @ds.clancy or by phone at 954.952.9630.

Denise Coyman

denisecoyman@gmail.com 

Kevin Coyman with David Clancy.