When first meeting Daveed it's apparent as a book you shouldn't judge by the cover. Covered in art himself, Daveed is a character and individual you don't see often. With such a different carefree exterior Daveed provides that instant feeling of acceptance and when talking with Daveed about his childhood and past it was made clear his calm demeanor was years practiced.
Daveed was born in Santa Fe, but raised in Albuquerque, NM. I asked Daveed, "as a photographer, paint me an image of Albuquerque through your eyes as you grew up.” Daveed looked in my eyes and with a strong vigor asked, “do you know the crime rate in Albuquerque?" having said that Daveed proceeded to inform me the cities crime rate is ranked top 10 in the nation; year after year. Then a moment of sincerity as he excused his childhood city and retorted, "it's better now though, not as violent as it was in the past." Afterwards he proceeded to paint the image of tagged buildings, bridges, signs, walls and anything able to fit a gang sign. Growing up in a hard city gave Daveed the back bone and headstrong which he carries.
Daveed was enlisted in the Air Force because he knew he needed to escape the streets of Albuquerque (the land of entrapment) and not fall victim to the game of gangs. Daveed was never an amazing student but what he lacked in natural abilities he compensated with zeal and dedication. It was the military giving Daveed the hands on training transcending into knowledge which he knew wouldn't be the same if he had went to college where most professors would almost rather hear themselves talk. Talking with Daveed I could see the military gave him a strong sense of family as he describes the other enlisted boys to be men as brothers. Even to this day Daveed makes sure to keep in contact with these "brothers". I asked Daveed if the military gave him a unique perspective as a photographer, translating into his work and art where it may not have been if he had never enlisted. For sure was the answer as he began to tell me about his time over seas in Japan.
"There is so much culture and a deeper connection with all people, this most certainly translates into my work! I see people for who they are and who they want to be through my lens. I consult each model, company and person making sure I understand what they want, what they think, and how they want to feel. I don't prefer being titled as a photographer because an artist describes the individual who captures the emotion, beauty and deeper understanding we are all looking for within ourselves. I'm not looking for people to think of my work as merely pretty, or cool rather I look to inspire them by showing them what I see and feel from them. Traveling overseas and living in other cultures with an open mind created who I am
and for that I am thankful! "
Daveed could never be described as a follower and as such has started two businesses and realized his other love of entrepreneurship. Daveed was the soldier who strapped the missiles to the F16 used to respond to the 911 attacks. Daveed has a deep sense of patriotism and realizes his entrepreneurship is able to take flight because of those stars and strips he served and loves. To this day Daveed is never seen without his military tags.
When Daveed returned to the states he started a fabrication shop using the tools and knowledge he learned in the military. Fabricating was also a form of art and was a joy he thought he would stay with until he learned of his love for photography. When starting out in photography Daveed self taught himself lighting, composition, shadowing and much more. His equipment was by no means state of the art and he chuckled as he explained he used to use flash lights because he didn't posses the proper lighting equipment. To this day walking through Home Depot or a Wal-Mart Daveed can be found purchasing at least one flashlight. Daveed manifested his creativity through photography and once a good understanding was held, he quickly searched for ways to continue the creativity in displaying his art.
I've had the joy of "helping" Daveed create his stretched canvases displaying the photography. As we shopped for the lumber the first time he explained the difference of his construction methods for the framing and how they were more durable; But, the day I accompanied Daveed he was once again creating and redefining what most would think is a waste to even think about, after all there are only a few ways to skin a cat. So how was Daveed going to bring a different element to constructing a canvas frame? I can tell you as he excitedly explained it to me I dosed in confusion and started playing with my key lanyard. Of course Daveed noticed, laughed and retorted I guess you'll have to see and see I did. Even as I helped measure and cut the wood I couldn't foresee his vision. By the end what Daveed constructed was the first photograph being displayed in 4x4 blocks cut up and held together by a solid frame and the blocks staple gunned onto what was now black wire fence. It gave the 3D effect he was looking for and on completion again his creativity was manifested.
Daveed sells his photography on canvases on a website he also self created. Buyers can take comfort knowing they are displaying art in more than just the image but also the one of a kind way the art hangs. As human dwellers we wonder when creativity will lose it's bounds and cease to exist. After having met Daveed, getting to know Daveed and working with Daveed it is apparent there's a comfort in
knowing new thoughts, ideas and visions have not been left “new” to the fallen and deceased but rather continue to thrive in individuals as the creative genius found in Daveed.
Written by,
Richard Baldwin
President
UNIQ Models
