All my work is based on childhood memories, memories that are fun but often times very dark too.  My early work focused on taking these memories and recreating them into large installations. However, over time, I realized that these larger and more complex installations presented an accessibility hurdle and an information overload for the viewer. Redirecting the focus of my work on more hand sewn sculptures of childhood objects, I was able to create pieces that I felt were more accessible, yet still subtle and effective at relaying the connections in my art I deem most powerful. Rendering these colorful 3D childhood objects from swatches of two dimensional soft fabric often found in common family homes (fleece, cotton and felt), I have tapped into a surreal, playful and fantastical childhood nostalgia while maintaining a poignant exploration of very serious, difficult, dark and raw personal and family identity themes. 

While my work is admittedly very personal, I intentionally and strategically incorporate elements sufficient for each viewer to piece together his or her own dreamy or dark nostalgic story. Each nostalgic object I position in a rendered space become an additional puzzle piece in a larger amorphous realm. I want to welcome viewers to inject themselves into these spaces, interact with these objects, and allow these objects/spaces to transport each one of them into his or her own nostalgic, surreal conundrum. These immersive sculptural creations are my way of bridging the gap between my own exploration of the past and my identity and the current moment in time and identity in which the viewer finds himself/herself. 

David Gabbard

Nintendo & Cartridges, Fabric, Life Size.

Doritos, Fabric and Embroidery Thread, 8.5 x 1 x 5.5 inches.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich with McDonald's Plate, Fabric, 10 x 4.5 x 5 inches.

O.K. Cola, Fabric, 4.5 x 2 x 2.5 inches.

Loss Of Innocence, Gold Leaf Frame and Archival Inkjet Print, 30  x 24 inches.

I Was Never Really Good At This Game, Fabric, Poly Fill, PVC Pipe, Carpet, Thread, Photo Transfer, Carpet, 60 x 60 inches.

T.V and Night Stand - Fabric, Poly Fill, PVC Pipe, 32 x 30 x 29 inches.