We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful David Foster. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with David below.

Hi David, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I’ve been creating art for a while now — both visual and spoken word. But as a spoken word artist, I always struggled to find a consistent place to perform. I didn’t really have a “home” for my poetry.

Then, out of nowhere, opportunity showed up. A friend connected me with a local Dallas barbershop downtown — In Da Cut Barber Lounge at 222 Continental Ave. The owner was looking for new art to hang in the shop, so we met up to talk. By the end of that meeting, I had my own permanent wall to display my artwork.

While we were talking, I decided to take a small risk and asked him, “Have you ever hosted any events here?” He told me about his grand opening and said he was open to new ideas. That’s when I pitched the idea of a poetry slam — and to my surprise, he was all in. He wanted to bring the community together and get some fresh energy in the shop.

What started as a one-time event has now turned into a monthly show that’s been going strong for over seven months.

If I hadn’t spoken up that day, the opportunity would’ve passed me by, and I’d probably still be a “homeless poet.”

My dad always says, “A closed mouth don’t get fed.” This time, I made sure I ate.

Now I host In Da Cut Poetry once a month with an incredible team of poets and artists — all because I asked one simple question.

Sometimes, taking a small risk can bring a big reward. You never know what doors might open when you’re brave enough to ask.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m originally from Dayton, Ohio, and now based in Dallas, Texas. I’m a visual artist and Spoken Word poet who loves exploring different ways to tell stories. Portraits are my favorite subjects to create, and while I work in various mediums, charcoal is the one I connect with most. There’s something raw and expressive about it that lets me capture emotion in a real, honest way.

I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember. Art has always been my way of understanding the world—shaped by my environment, my culture, my values, and the people I’ve met along the way. Everything I create carries a piece of those experiences. I believe art is more than expression; it’s communication. It’s how I share messages that visuals can deliver in a uniquely powerful way. I’m currently open for art commissions and always excited to collaborate, create, and connect. You can reach me through my website dfosterart.com or on social media at @dfosterart.

My creativity expanded when I found poetry. I started writing in high school, kept going through college, and truly found my voice when I moved to Dallas. The spoken word community here opened doors for collaboration, growth, and deeper connection. Being around so many talented artists pushed me to build something of my own—In Da Cut Poetry.

In Da Cut Poetry isn’t your typical open mic or slam. It’s an experience. We have a team of passionate poets who bring real stories to the stage through rhythm, rhyme, and emotion—stories filled with love, pain, humor, and everything in between. Whether you’re a seasoned poet or stepping up for the first time, the space is warm, welcoming, and built for authenticity. You can grab food from local spots, sip champagne, and just enjoy the vibes while tapping into a creative community that feels like family.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

As an artist, it’s hard to choose just one thing that’s most rewarding—but if I had to, it would be the reaction and genuine love people show for my work. There’s nothing like witnessing that moment when someone is hit with a wave of emotion because of something I created.

Whether it’s hearing a crowd respond to my poetry with overwhelming energy—hanging onto every word I speak as the room lights up—or watching someone stand in front of one of my pieces, lost in thought, searching the details in awe… that feeling is indescribable.

Knowing that something I made has moved someone so deeply that they can’t help but lock in on every detail, every line, every moment—it tells me the art did what it was meant to do. Art, in all its forms, is meant to inform, spark emotion, or inspire thought.

When I hear the snapping of fingers after a poem, see someone studying a canvas with real intention, or feel the room shift as people connect with my message, it fills my creative cup. Those reactions are what keep me going. They’re the reminder, every time, of why I create—and they’re the most rewarding part of being an artist.

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

In my view, society can truly support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem by intentionally investing in it. That means supporting local artists directly—buying their work, commissioning pieces from the creators you follow, and choosing real human expression over generic or AI-generated art. Art is what shapes the world around us; it’s the beauty, culture, and storytelling that connect us.

Show up for the creative community. Go to local events. Visit galleries and museums that give living artists space to shine. Attend poetry slams, small plays, and community theater performances. Explore the art culture in your city and be part of the energy that keeps it alive.

Art is always around us, even when we’re not consciously thinking about it. And as a society, we can build a stronger, more vibrant artistic culture by consistently showing up—supporting events both big and small, engaging with the talent in our communities, and investing in real, living artists.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dfosterart.com/
• Instagram: @DFosterArt https://www.instagram.com/dfosterart/?hl=en
• Facebook: DFosterArt. https://www.facebook.com/DFosterArt/
• Youtube: DFosterArt. https://www.youtube.com/@DFosterArt
• Other: EventBrite
  https://www.eventbrite.com/o/dfosterart-llc-109074557401