About ; David Krafcik ; Art Farm Manager
About the Artist; David Krafcik: "Having people enjoy my work is my motivation to continue to create art." He describes himself as a free spirit who enjoys life and has a passion for art. In 1980 a severe automobile accident forced David to reevaluate life and overcome the diagnosis that he would never walk again. Being paralyzed from the knees down, determination and extensive therapy have allowed him to walk with the aid of crutches and express himself through his artistic ability. Having studied art in the early 1980s at Santa Monica City College and West Los Angeles Community College in California, David started his art business in 1987 in the basement of his Mom and Auntie's home in Wilkes- Barre, Pa. He created hand-stamped clothing and traveled from craft show to craft show in the North-Eastern part of Pennsylvania. He moved to a mall kiosk and added airbrush designs to his resume during Christmas. Tired of the craft scene, his wife, Cathy & companion Oakly moved to Florida in 1992. Opened David's Airbrush in the historic district of St. Augustine from 1992 until 1998. Then in 1998, he was commissioned to etch a glass door using a sandblaster.
The work was a huge success and helped David move from airbrush to etching glass doors and other glass items. In 1999 David applied for and received a Disability Grant from the state of Florida, which allowed him to pursue his talent further in working with glass. He joined the "Energy Lab" artist group with other talented artists in St. Augustine. Thanks to the new fresh air, he started making reverse glass paintings. The series "Beautifully Broken" came from that time. The series is based on using people with different ablilites, himself included, in an abstract Expressionistic style. 2008 David, Cathy, and his new companion Reed moved to the mountains of Western North Carolina to continue his work in etching glass. From 2008 until 2021, he wholesaled hand-etched glassware to shops in the Blue Ridge mountains and throughout the United States. Unfortunately, in 2020 he was diagnosed with blood cancer. Staring death in the face one more time, he called it a day on the glass etching business and moved on to creating art that he truly enjoyed. Today he can be found fusing glass enamel on copper, painting acrylic on canvas board, and writing a novel. David demonstrates his overcoming spirit in all he does and attempts to encourage others with different abilities to pursue their dreams as well. Keep Art Alive.
The work was a huge success and helped David move from airbrush to etching glass doors and other glass items. In 1999 David applied for and received a Disability Grant from the state of Florida, which allowed him to pursue his talent further in working with glass. He joined the "Energy Lab" artist group with other talented artists in St. Augustine. Thanks to the new fresh air, he started making reverse glass paintings. The series "Beautifully Broken" came from that time. The series is based on using people with different ablilites, himself included, in an abstract Expressionistic style. 2008 David, Cathy, and his new companion Reed moved to the mountains of Western North Carolina to continue his work in etching glass. From 2008 until 2021, he wholesaled hand-etched glassware to shops in the Blue Ridge mountains and throughout the United States. Unfortunately, in 2020 he was diagnosed with blood cancer. Staring death in the face one more time, he called it a day on the glass etching business and moved on to creating art that he truly enjoyed. Today he can be found fusing glass enamel on copper, painting acrylic on canvas board, and writing a novel. David demonstrates his overcoming spirit in all he does and attempts to encourage others with different abilities to pursue their dreams as well. Keep Art Alive.