David Molesky

Artist Statement:

Over the last several years I have departed from the tradition of seascape painting and zoomed in on the water itself. The chaotic feel of activity within the forms of turbulence seemed new and exciting to me, but I also recognized their origins in the studies of Leonardo da Vinci. I was inspired to take these foamy elements further out of the context of naturalism by sometimes giving them a darkened stage presence thus heightening the potential drama of water and its primal importance as a substance. Also, my experience as a surfer has given me first-hand knowledge of the ways of water, especially its dangerous beauty.

David Molesky obtained his BA from UC Berkeley (1999).  In 2009, he returned to the US after an 18 month apprenticeship with the painter Odd Nerdrum in Iceland, Norway, and Paris.  Molesky’s work has been featured in numerous museum exhibitions including: the Baltimore Museum of Art; Pasinger Fabrik, Munich, Germany; and the Grand Central Art Center, Cal State Fullerton.  In 2010, his work was selected for the Pacific Coast Edition of New American Painting. He is featured in this Fall issue of the Surfers’ Journal with an 8 page article. Currently, Molesky is preparing for an exhibition next year in Rome.  Molesky lives and works in San Francisco, CA.