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 lucky 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 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 it put a big smile on his face—like being accepted and knowing his art was good meant the world to him.

That moment gave me a deep insight into others who struggle with mental health issues. It sparked a resolve in me to learn more about it and help others like Charlie if I’m able to.

My work is rooted in the raw, unpredictable nature of PTSD. Through expressive colors, textures, and forms, I capture the emotional turbulence that comes with trauma. Art has been my lifeline—a way to process, release, and rebuild. I believe creativity has the power to transform pain into something meaningful, offering relief, insight, and connection.

For decades, I felt trapped in my own past. It wasn’t until I finally named what I was carrying that I could start to work through it. Therapy and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) helped me make sense of it all, but art and music have always been my deepest form of self-therapy.

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 an art style; 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 on the same canvas.

One of the most liberating things I’ve come to understand is this: acceptance or rejection from others doesn’t define me. 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.

If you're curious, the Portfolio page is where you’ll find my artwork grouped by medium—paintings, drawings, mixed media, photography, and more to come. Scribble is my blog—it’s loose, honest, and full of thoughts behind the work and the life that shaped it. The PTSE page dives into what Post-Traumatic Stress Expressionism means to me, and you’ll also find a manifesto of sorts woven into that section—a personal reflection on how this all came to be. The Store will be opening soon, where I’ll be offering prints and originals. And if you ever want to reach out, the Contact page has an email if you’ve got questions or just want to connect.

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