cv/bio

b. 1983. bellevue, wa.
— lives/works in los angeles, ca.

david ‘davey’ leavitt aka davey detail is an american artist and designer based in los angeles.  davey’s work is often expressed conceptually, within the context of cultura narratives, duality and the human condition.  his process explores the relationship between graphic design and fine art, with careful consideration for material, form and purpose. davey’s practice is multidisciplinary and involves painting, sculpture, installation, screen printing graphic design, fashion design, furniture design and spatial design.

he is most notable for his former role as co-founder and creative director for the artist collective known as cyrcle. davey’s murals with cyrcle. can be seen around the world in public spaces, upscale restaurants and boutique hotels. his fine artworks have been included in the public collections of the museum of contemporary art detroit and the museum of contemporary art puerto rico,  as well as in the private collections of notable figures such as shepard fairey, ari emanuel and sean combs. while working with cyrcle., davey collaborated with artists and brands including, HBO, reebok, uber, audi, pharrell and TED prize winner- JR, amongst others.

click to view available artwork.

statement

how exactly does one cage a wagging tail? i presume there may be many ways. for me, it was depression — debilitating, bone-crushing and soul-sucking depression. perpetual sadness suffocates any semblance of joy from its host, and for me, it strangled out every bit of hope from within. everything is fine keep swiping is inspired by my experience with tourette’s syndrome, bipolar disorder and grave mental and emotional conditions. bondage is the visual language represented in this body of work, symbolized by the use of ropes and cages.

the last 5 years i have been on a harrowing journey of recovery in the desperate pursuit of finding a sustainable solution/treatment for all that has plagued me throughout my life. i spent many years victimized by the baffling nature of these conditions, finding myself on countless occasions in the fetal position on the bathroom floor, pleading for a way out. i was exhausted and depleted, having spent every last drop of energy i could muster up in a day towards trying desperately to be “normal,” painting a happy face across my lips. “don’t worry,” they would say, “everything is fine.” but they don’t know suffering or bondage like this. while the world keeps swiping, i’m just trying to exist.

but there is hope, my friend, for all bad things must come to an end too. some say that it is darkest before dawn and i am relieved to have survived just long enough to see this sunrise. today, I am happy, joyous and free; no more cages or ropes around me. despite it all, i would change nothing, for all of which has taught me compassion and humbled me greatly. through my experience of grieving and the wonders of science, my spirit has awakened. i’m now full of immense, although unfamiliar, abundance of gratitude, inspiration and freedom — all of which I wish for you. my sincerest intention is that my experience, strength and hope can help others feel less alone. i know what it’s like to feel trapped within your own mind and body, and it is OK to ask for help.

i hear you, i see you, i feel you. i love you.