We were lucky to catch up with Dave Tourjé recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dave, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I think I began as an artist around age 2. My parents had a large box of colored wooden blocks and almost every day I would dump it out on the floor. I would then stack and configure them which in later years translated into a sort of structural painting style and also building and construction. Additionally, my grandmothers were really good artists and I was inspired by them greatly. Mom mom was a draftsperson and she kept me stocked with drawing tools all the time. I’ve never deviated from these things since then.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m an artist and musician who also worked in construction my entire adult life. For years I’ve only done my art as I’ve turned over my company to two of my children and a handful of younger people. I’ve gone the usual route of having an “art career”, that is to say, going to art school, developing a style and selling via art galleries. I’ve shown in museums and sold my work internationally. After doing this, my interest led me into more cultural philanthropy and I founded the Chouinard Foundation in 1999 after buying the estate home of Nelbert Chouinard- the art education icon and founder of the renowned Chouinard Art Institute of Los Angeles. This put me in direct contact with some of the great artists from Chouinard and eventually a group of us drifted together which led to my focus over the last 10 years called the California Locos, composed of Chouinard legends Chaz Bojórquez (graffiti), John Van Hamersveld (surf and rock), Norton Wisdom (performance painting) and Gary Wong (fine art and music). We’ve developed an international movement and a new book has recently been published by DRAGO Publishers in Rome entitled “Renaissance and Rebellion”. We begin a museum tour in the Spring of 2024 through Europe and this will be my focus for years to come.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I try not to get bogged down in “only painting” or some such monochromatic push. I’ve made films, won awards, been nominated for an Emmy, was Oscar reviewed and have had my works involved internationally. I design and build automotive projects and other things. The most important thing to me is to BE CREATIVE. What I’m creating is less important to me than CREATING SOMETHING- ANYTHING!!

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

First of all, an incredibly low percentage of artists make a great living from selling their art. I say “great” living because that’s what we all should be doing! I don’t mean making peanuts. Breaking down Artist stereotypes as in “must make living from art” is a good start. These are false and disappointing goals for most. Cezanne worked in his family business, DuChamp benefitted from a family business and there are many other examples. The false idea that an artist “must make their living” making art is mostly driven by the people involved in the commerce side of the Artworld. This leads to disappointed and burned out artists who barely get by and mediocre art. I say change society by creating your own Artworld by building it YOUR way and shed the overrated false idea that you “must make your living” making your art in order to be an artist, which is a big lie perpetrated on then bought into and forwarded. It’s similar to professional sports, where a huge pyramid of participants around the country all believe they will be the next Tom Brady. Out of the millions, only a handful do and this is built to benefit the commerce side. Don’t buy in- just create your art, life and Artworld YOUR WAY.

Contact Info:

• Website: Californialocos.com
• Instagram: @californialocos @davetourje

Image Credits
Photo 1: Jeffrey Brian Photo 2: Adam Cude Photos 8: Gary Leonard All others: California Locos