Today we’d like to introduce you to David Owens.
Hi David, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I’m a third-generation San Diegan. It’s a central part of my identity. Years ago, before law school, I worked as a scenic artist for the San Diego Opera Company with I.A.T.S.E. artists on sets for theater, ballet, and opera productions. That was a fantastic opportunity to learn the trade from legendary artists and designers. Then, I switched gears and spent 20 years developing a law practice. Like many people, overnight, the pandemic put everything in jeopardy and I had to figure out how to be resilient and move forward with purpose.
Up to that point, I had tried to live a balanced life that valued family and community. So, faced with a staggering amount of uncertainty, I doubled down on that ethos and made my mental and physical health a bigger priority as well. Today, I’m proud to serve as a Trustee on the Downtown San Diego Lions Club Welfare Foundation, and chair the Board that operates their residential nonprofit HUD building. I also lost 65 lbs. recently. In truth, this year has been one of the most satisfying and productive phases of my life. I attribute much of that success to my reconnecting with creativity and the mindfulness that it encourages and facilitates.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think a road worth traveling is never smooth. That doesn’t sound like much fun anyway. Most everyone struggles. One thing I’ve learned over the years and try to share is that life is mostly the story we tell ourselves. Looking back, my biggest obstacles have been fear and doubt. Whenever I’m able to convince myself that my hard work and talent are enough, then I inevitably get where I need to be.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a trial lawyer by trade. I’ve made a living presenting facts and ideas to clients; colleagues; witnesses; and judges intending to persuade them to see things from my perspective. I’m usually successful when I can remove barriers to effective communication through empathy and candor. As an artist who is interested in encouraging empathy, and inspiring creativity through public art, painting rocks seemed like the perfect medium because people approach rocks without expectations, unlike maybe a canvas; mural, or sculpture. Rocks are inherently accessible and approachable.
My art is popular and I continue to develop great relationships and fantastic opportunities through it. Recently, I designed and painted a sugar skull ofrenda to honor the life and legacy of Tony Gwynn, who more than anyone personifies San Diego as a community, and the important role that sports plays in our lives, so that was the inspiration for the tribute. It’s being gifted to Anthony Gwynn through a mutual friend, I hope he is reminded often how much his family means to San Diego. I’m proud of that work and connection.
I live in Encinitas which has a tradition of unsanctioned art installations that meet with City cease and desist orders but are eventually welcomed as valuable resources. At the gateway to Moonlight Beach there are two; the Surfing Madonna mosaic, and Dave’s Rock Garden. I’m a Friend of the Garden and routinely contribute to that amazing public space. I meet weekly at The American Legion Post 416 with its’ creator and docent, Dave Dean. We installed a Post 416 tribute stone at the base of the Garden’s flagpole on Independence Day to remind the community of their ongoing service and sacrifice. I’m proud of that ongoing work and those relationships.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I’ve scaled back both my screen time and media consumption this year to make time for more music in my life, but I do stay current on two great podcasts for perspective: Star Talk with Neil deGrasse Tyson and This American Life. The resource that I’ve relied on consistently this year to improve and nurture my mental & physical health is Noom. I didn’t expect it to be so transformative but, for me, it’s been amazing. I’ve completely changed my relationship with food and have a lot more energy and focus. That’s helping me be my best, most authentic self.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @rockus_s2pr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockusStuper
Image Credits
Bill Walton
Dee Dee
Trejo Rowlett
Dave Dean
