In this episode, land artist David Popa shares the pivotal moments and creative philosophies that have shaped his unique career. Known for his large-scale ephemeral earth frescoes, David combines ancient techniques with modern technology, crafting breathtaking works that are captured through drone photography and shared as visual narratives. His art, created with natural pigments such as charcoal and earth, often fades back into nature, echoing the transient beauty of life.
David opens up about his early influences from fine art and street art, and the courageous leap of faith that led him to create a genre-defining practice. He also discusses how staying true to his vision has allowed him to collaborate with major global brands while still honoring the spiritual and adventurous aspects of his work.
From blending creativity with nature to embracing the impermanence of his art, David offers profound insights for artists seeking to align their work with personal meaning and authenticity.
“Don’t chase the money. That part comes after making the work you’re truly compelled to create. There’s something inside you that needs to come out… chase that. The audience who will resonate and emotionally connect with it will find the work.”
– David Popa
Timestamps00:00 Introduction
01:00 David Popa’s Artistic Journey and Practice
02:07 The Uniqueness of Ephemeral Earth Frescoes
03:11 Merging Art, Nature, and Adventure
04:10 Early Influences and Transition to Land Art
05:12 Moving to Finland and Taking a Leap of Faith
06:37 Overcoming Artistic Frustration and Experimenting with Materials
09:00 Developing Drone Photography and Large-Scale Art
11:00 Creating a Breakthrough Piece: Portrait on an Islet
13:00 The Role of Self-Doubt and Artistic Persistence
15:00 First Social Media Success and National Recognition
17:00 Building a Global Audience Through Art Drops
19:00 The Power of Emotional Resonance in Art
21:00 Crafting Personal Narratives Through Social Media
23:00 Using Vulnerability to Expand Artistic Reach
25:00 Balancing Brand Collaborations and Authenticity
27:00 Staying True to Core Values in a Monetized World
28:00 Highlighting Key Collaborations
29:50 Final Advice: Perseverance, Passion, and Authenticity
30:40 Closing Thoughts
Access the members-only full unabridged conversation here:
https://hub.professionalartist.com/c/deep-dives-vault/david-popaLinks to artworks discussed:
- David’s art can be seen in the YouTube version of this podcast here.
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What is The Professional Artist Podcast: Art Business Transformations?
If you want to make it in the art world, talent is key - but so is mastering the business side. The Professional Artist Podcast is where fine artists and commerce meet.
Co-hosts Miguel L. Mayher and Cristina Demiany guide visual artists through an audio gallery, exploring how to show and sell your art, land commissions, apply for artist grants, license your art, and much more.
This is where your art career begins to grow.
Miguel L. Mayher is the Director of Education at the Professional Artist Association. Previously, he worked with Google Arts & Culture, striking partnerships with national museums. He is also a Global Economic Symposium Young Fellow and a One Young World Ambassador.
Cristina Demiany is a Senior Art Business Coach at the Professional Artist Association. She formerly served as Senior Program Manager at Sotheby’s Institute of Art and as Executive Director of the National Children’s Chorus.
The Professional Artist Association is a global organization dedicated to providing real-world education for visual artists, including painters, sculptors, and fine art photographers.