About

Hey there, and thanks for stopping by.

First off, I’ve got to give a big shoutout to my amazing girlfriend, Deirdre. Her support and belief in my artistic journey mean the world to me. She lights up every room she walks into, and I’m incredibly blessed to have her by my side.

The Underground Studio North of Bohemia—better known as The Underground Snob™️ —was born during my time as the owner of a small picture frame shop in West Palm Beach, Florida. It was there that I first understood the true power of art—not just as expression, but as a tool for healing.

Over the years there, I met a homeless veteran named Charlie Johnson, who did some work for me. We got to know each other well enough that I began to understand how his mental health struggles were causing difficulties in his life. We knew each other as military veterans and brothers of the arts—he’d often ask if I had any paper, markers, or pens to draw with.

He would take those art supplies, go off, and do his thing. Then he’d come back and show me these beautiful drawings. I bought two of them, and the smile on his face said more than words could. That moment opened my eyes to how deeply people carry their struggles—and how much expression can matter. That moment gave me a deep insight into others who struggle with mental health issues. That moment opened my eyes to how deeply people carry their struggles—and how much expression can matter.

I’ve lived with complex trauma since early childhood. For years, I felt stuck in my own story—until I finally found language for what I was carrying. Therapy and EMDR helped, but art and music have always been my deepest form of self-therapy. My work channels the raw, unpredictable energy of PTSD. Through color, texture, and form, I process what’s hard to say out loud—transforming pain into something that offers relief, insight, and connection.

Post-Traumatic Stress Expressionism (PTSE)

Over the years, people have asked me, "What type of art do you do?" or "What style of art is it?" Those questions always left me a bit puzzled because, honestly, my artwork is all over the place. It never fit neatly into any category, and for a long time, I didn’t know how to explain that.

But through this journey, I discovered something deeper—what I now call Post-Traumatic Stress Expressionism (PTSE). It’s not just a term to describe my own style of art; it’s a way of letting go when words just don’t cut it. It’s raw, emotional, and unfiltered—an instinctual form of expression that allows trauma, healing, and transformation to coexist in the same space.

One of the most liberating things I’ve come to understand is this: acceptance or rejection from others doesn’t define me or whatever I am doing in the realm of creativity. I’ve learned to let go of the need to fit into what people expect or approve of. My art is mine first. Whether it resonates with others or not, it’s an honest reflection of who I am and where I’ve been. That clarity has given me a sense of freedom I never thought possible.

But PTSE isn’t just for me—it’s for anyone who’s carried something too heavy for too long. It’s proof that expression, in any form, can be a way forward. It doesn’t erase the past, but it allows us to live beyond it.

The Underground Snob™️

That’s what The Underground Snob™️ is—a space where my journey takes form. These pieces come from deep within and often take months—sometimes even years—to fully come to life. There are many I revisit over time, sitting with them, studying them, and occasionally adding to them when it feels right. They’re reflections of survival, resilience, and everything in between.

But not all of my work is intense. Plenty of it is wild, absurd, and full of humor—sometimes just plain weird in the best way. Some pieces dive into love, others into nonsense, and a few are just there because they made me laugh. I believe healing has room for all of it.

Around the Site

• Portfolio
  — Artwork grouped by medium: paintings, drawings, mixed media, photography, and more.

• Scribble
  — A loose, honest blog about the work and the life behind it.

• PTSE
  — A deeper look at what Post‑Traumatic Stress Expressionism means to me, including a personal manifesto.

• Store
  — Opening soon with prints and originals.

• Contact
  — A simple way to reach out if you want to connect or ask a question.

I’ll be updating the site as much as I can, so check back now and then to see what’s new. If you take anything from this, let it be this: every day is a gift. Follow your heart, chase your dreams, and don’t be afraid to create something real.

Much love and peace, David