We recently had the chance to connect with David Sweeney and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning David, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
The answer is supposed to be “All three!” surely, with a clever reason for skirting the forced choice. I wonder if that’s because we want to see all three of those qualities in our friends and loved ones – and ourselves. And I bet most honest people could find a decent ratio that makes them comfortable throwing their arms about them and giving them a hug.
And I don’t blame them.
Of those three, Integrity is the most important.
I can’t move forward with a friendship, a business deal, any kind of interdependent relationship with someone I cannot trust.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m David Sweeney, a multi-disciplinary artist living in Austin, TX. I’m 52 years old, native Texan and I hate the heat. Yes, I said it. If people can go around saying they love it, I can cast a glance in their direction and wonder if it’s because their already cooked.
Maybe I am?
I’ve been making art since I was a little boy. From crayon drawings and little pinch pots to my work now, there doesn’t seem to be a time I didn’t have a pen in my hand, paint on my clothes and a bunch of trash I picked up off the ground because I liked the texture.
And I’m not sure about brand, per se, but a lot of folks have called LAMENT my brand. I make a series of paintings, drawings and objects incorporating that word. Increasingly out of context, like on the front of a Birkin bag, or in a necklace I had made. It’s everywhere in my work.
I’ve had a couple of great shows this year – I’m going back into the studio in October to do something with those piles of trash. I think I know what I’m going to do, but let’s see if it works.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Contempt. Forgiveness.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
What time is it today?
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of ourselves is, by definition, not the real us. That’s why it’s got the word “version” in it.
And I think that’s the way it works best. There’s nothing that says you can’t strive to be honest, trustworthy, hard-working, smart, driven, ambitious, creative, etc., etc., and have to be 100% authentic. You probably can’t. I shoot for about 85-90%
There are truths we keep to ourselves, that we have to keep to ourselves, and anyone who uses the phrase “I’m just being honest!” really means that they’re just being cruel.
If every thought that appeared in your head came out of your mouth, you’d find yourself lost and friendless.
That said, you can excavate those things. Do it with a therapist, or do it with a shaman – whatever your beliefs dictate is the right thing for you. It’s hard work, and it’s probably going to freak you out, but it’s well worth it.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What will you regret not doing?
Regret is a wasted emotion.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.davidsweeneyart.com
- Instagram: @davidsweeneyart
