Santa Fe, NM

"Art helps me to be in contact with myself."

David was born and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico. His connection with the beauty of the landscape deeply affects his art. Painting and creativity have always been a part of his life and has been making art since high school. Daniel continues to develop his talents as part of a community art program at The Santa Fe Club House, which offers outpatient treatment programs, community, and work opportunities for adults with mental illness.

David was diagnosed with schizophrenia as a child and has worked to navigate a sense of his recovery for many years. He says, "therapy, working on being in check with my emotions, yoga, meditation, and cooking for the clubhouse, have all made my struggle better. Recovery is a major part of me. However good, bad or ugly I have to pick myself up. Keeping that idea alive in my daily life gives me a little hope for the day. Recovery is every day.”

David has a degree in computer database management, and has worked as an environmental scientist with the Environmental Protection Agency. He has earned a certification as a Peer Support Worker and is an advocate for adults experiencing mental illness. David enjoys giving back to the community whenever he can, and helps lead writing and beading groups at the Clubhouse community center.