Dragonfly Daze

David "Bugs" Kowalski has a passion for Art and Culture, he began at a young age, after his family moved from the Midwest to the Colville/Nez Pierce Indian Reservation in Eastern Washington. There he was exposed to Native American traditions and craftsmanship. The blending of the natural surroundings and the impeccable beauty of the Nez Pierce's bead, leather and tribal craftworks have continued over the decades to inspire many of Bug's artistic endeavors.

Bugs joined the United States Air Force and had the opportunity to travel to different cities, states, and countries; observing and experiencing a myriad of different cultures and their art. After fulfilling his commitment in 1969, he moved back to Europe and lived in the small town of Soest, Holland. There he became actively involved with the local Artist's Guild working with several art forms; Photography, Gemology and began an apprenticeship as a Silversmith. During this period, Bugs artwork began to take the shape and style of his work today.

In 1982, a move to Arizona was what finally fused the Industrial elements to Bugs Tribal Indian art work. Now driven by a hunger for the creation of all the learned elements in his past, Bugs began to incorporate leather, gemstones, stone, pen and ink, silver, bone, bead, feather and wood into a new element, rusted metal. Arizona is rich with the material, discarded by settlers from the past. Learning from the Indians Bugs wanted to clean the deserts around him, he became one of the first true green artist of Arizona. Bugs was using this new found medium to produce unique and original artwork.

From that point on he has continued to hone his skills and create pieces that reflect the Southwest's style, Native American influences, and Industrial solidarity. His work currently encompasses four decades of experience and has been exhibited in several successful art shows and competitive events.