We recently had the chance to connect with David Fallon and have shared our conversation below.
David, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I have always been a leader, in these difficult times my calling to be a leader is stronger than ever before.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a visual artist and community activist in St. Paul, MN.
Art connects with people’s emotions and feelings in ways that no other form of communication does, which makes it uniquely effective in fostering social change. From Soviet propaganda to Picasso’s Guernica, art has always been part of social change.
With my art I challenge viewers to see the world around them from new perspectives. I believe that when we see things differently, we begin to think about things differently- and when we think about things differently we act differently. We change.
I recently had 2 solo exhibits, one addressing the relationship between homelessness and mental health, the other addressing body image and self-love. Affecting positive change is the reason I make art. I see it as my responsibility.
This year I am applying for a Bush Foundation Fellowship, to study the relationship between art and community-building, overseas.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My relationship with my mother. Without a question. My mother was a very intelligent woman. A former journalist and newscaster, my mother was a child of the civil rights movement. As a Black woman, she knew I was going to face lot of obstacles growing up in a predominantly White community.
Which I did.
My mother taught me to see obstacles as opportunities for growth. And, as a journalist, my mother taught me to never stop asking questions. “The most important question you can ask”, she would say, “is ‘why?'”
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I almost gave up in 2019. I underwent deep brain surgery in 2016 and I was unable to live without round the clock supervision. I had a PCA, I couldn’t work, I couldn’t drive and by 2019 I had decided my life was essentially pointless.
I was lost, helpless and suicidal.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
Lyndon Johnson. Johnson was president during the Vietnam War and was largely an unpopular president. Nonetheless, Johnson succeeded in passing both the Voting Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act. Low-income health care programs became widely available under Johnson, as well.
Despite his unpopularity, Johnson had the courage to do what was right. I admire that.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
My spirit
Contact Info:
- Website: https://davidfallonart.com
- Instagram: stylo_erotique
Image Credits
David Fallon
