I’am speechless”, surely this could be a common reaction of millions of eyes who enjoy David’s uniquely conceived world that reflects through his drawings. David's work is not only brilliant and thoroughly detailed but also methodically arranged. David has a firm approach in drawing as if the picture is already finished in his head before the pencil touches the paper. He never looked back after winning first prize in competition at 2005. Davids work has gained attention from abroad and David has been invited to exhibit his work in Beijing, China. We are proud of David for his talent and achievement.

How did you get the idea of drawing ”Birds” which contains colorful details of systematically arranged 397 species? How did you react when you heard the news that your drawing ”Birds” is selected to be published in the book Drawing Autism at New York?D: I had a few books about birds. I wanted to see them all together on one drawing and made it a project. I was happy to hear that my “Birds” was going to be used for the cover of “Drawing Autism”. I like to share my work with other people!

What was your reaction when you received an award of artwork from the artist Paul Kerrebijn for winning a drawing competition organized by the Royal Navy Marines museum?D: That’s a long time ago! I did not take part in the competition to win, but because I’m interested in the war. Drawing about it is a way to use the knowledge I have about a subject. Even more fun was the fact that Paul Kerrebijn bought one of my works.

Which of your drawing is your favorite and why?D: I made thousands of works, so this is a tough question. ”Birds” seems to be everyones favorite, but it’s not my favorite. Recently, I made a work called “Atlantic ocean”. I used a different technique and it really worked for me!

Tell us your experience about your work being exhibited in China? Do you think art is the ideal way to connect everybody globally?D: I loved China! I could enjoy the whole week there, because I could totally concentrate on my drawing. Organizing things is my mothers specialty, so I don’t have to worry about that part. I met some interesting people and it was good fun to be among all those nice people who gave us a warm welcome. I think art is a great way to communicate without needing a language. I read very many books about all kinds of subjects. I use all this knowledge in my art. My drawings can remind us of the fact we all share the same planet. Something to be careful with.

What kind of drawings are presently in your collection? How do you get an idea what to draw?D: In my collection are mainly drawings about animals in there own eco-system. Also drawings about the war and recently I started drawing cities. (Paris and Rome) Because I draw cities in black and white, it doesn’t take so much time. I look forward to drawing New York and of course my own city Rotterdam! I get my inspiration from books and from things like “Planet earth” and “Frozen planet”.

Tell us more about your “What’s up with Curtis” comic book?D:  It’s about a rat with autism. Having autism means you have to deal with the fact that many people don’t know what autism really is. There are many books about this subject, but a simple one that even an 8-year old can understand was not on the market yet. So we made one. That’s how “Curtis” came to life. In those days (2010) me and my sister both had a tame rat. I drew a cool rat for her birthday at one point. That’s when “Curtis” was “born”…

What are your other hobbies?D: I love to read about subjects that fascinate me (history, the universe, biology, medical science etc) and I spend a lot of time learning different languages. Speaking languages opens doors.

What is your favorite place to visit?D: I really love the bookstore in my own city Rotterdam! It’s a big bookstore, but they know me. I prefer warm countries, like Portugal. I’ve never been to the US yet, but I can’t wait to go there!

What do you like to do with your family?D: I like to visit my grandparents and eat together. Other than that I like to play a game or watch a movie together.

Any special message for our community?D: Do whatever touches your heart. Don’t let anyone tell you how to make art. Passion is important while creating and it always shows when you see the end-result.