Many locals know of artist, Dave Zackus, even if they don't know him personally. Dave's mural work was in the basement of the now, Art Center, when it was the funky store, Center of the Universe. Sadly, when the store was purchased and became a dollar store the murals were painted over but you might recall the motif; a ultra retro man in space.
Please enjoy my most recent interview with local artist, Dave Zackus, 45 and our visit about his art:
Me: Let's see, I guess first o...ff how do you do what you do?
D: (smiling shyly) Um, I just do what I like to do.
Me: Are you self taught?
D: Yes, somewhat. I do have a degree in Graphic Arts from the Denver Business College, it used to be in Billings. They taught everything old school like type set and how to do hand lettering for signs etc. Now computers do all of that work.
Me: You grew up here though, right?
D: Yes, I am the oldest of 4.
Me: I recall your brother Ty is talented as well, anyone else in your family?
D: Yes, my Grandfather carved. He carved the heart and I then carved in the angels and made it into a cribbage board.
Me: (looking at the carving he had brought with him) Wow, that's really cool. Two generations of carvings in one piece.
D: My daughter is in Jr. High and she is really talented. She has stopped asking me technical art questions like, how to get a reflection in an eye, so I try not to offer her my opinion. Sometimes it's hard but I want her to do what is her art, not mine. I can only offer other people an opinion, I try not to offer advice. It changes how they see things, it changes their interpretation.
Me: People that know you think of you as a performance artist, did you know that?
D: (laughs) No, I didn't know that. I guess I just like to play guitar, and make music.
Me: You paint, you carve, you play instruments. That's a lot!
D: (Still smiling) Yes, I guess I am into improv when it comes to music. I like to get some friends together in my basement and play free flow, free consciousness kind of music. I don't like all the confines of gigging. It's just for fun and enjoyment this way. Plus I figure with all art, once it's been done, it's done. I like originality I guess.
Me: What instruments do you play?
D: Electric guitar, some bass and accordian. (grinning)
Me: What is your favorite medium?
D: I guess, right now, it is air brush acrylic.
Me: I see you are very influenced by retro, possibly 50's moon landing artwork?
D: Yes, and Sci Fi. I liked Star Trek a lot growing up. (laughs) The first things I remember drawing were helicopters, lots and lots of helicopters.
Me: (Looking at a piece with a beautifully air brushed moon and spaceship) This is amazing.
D: I did that one around Christmas time. I am really working on texture and shadows both light and dark. I just figured out how to do that with the air brush.
Me: You captured it perfectly.
D: It's all about trial and error.
Me: Tell me about your carving, the one you did on the rocks above the springs of the lady.
D: Well I carved it directly out of the rock there. I like carving because you can't erase your mistakes. It's a challenge, you can't turn back.
Me: I will be sure to post the picture so people can see her, she is amazing.
Me: Would you like to do more mural work? Because I am really trying to make that a reality around town.
D: Yes, for sure. I loved to do something with big shapes, very colorful.
Me: You're hired! (laughing) I also love the work you are doing with 3-D film. It is amazing. (note: I got to flip through an entire photo album of this work with those killer 3-D glasses on)
D: It's fun, for sure.
Me: You said you have to take a shot, move a little and take another to capture it?
D: Yes, click, move a little and shoot again.
Me: Wow, I would love to see this in a gallery and when people come in they have to put on the retro 3-D glasses and then they can walk through. I love to laugh at people when they reach out to grab at stuff. It makes me giggle.
D: I'd like that. I have some of those glasses too.
Me: Who inspires you? Where are you going next with your Art?
D: I am really into Nemo Gould, he does kinetic sculpture. I will send you some of his Youtube links. He makes little robots inside robots, the one's inside moving and appearing to be the reason the bigger one is moving.
Me: Wow, cool. Yes, I want to see that.
D: I am just bummed he though of it first. I collect all kinds of retro stuff and will be making some kinetic art pieces with it.
Me: I always wondered about your 'stuff'. (laughing) Where do you think of your ideas?
D: I dream it sometimes. (pointing to a very retro color and shape piece) I dreamed that.
Me: Wow, thanks for sharing with me Dave. Totally awesome.

D: Thanks, I had a good time too.