It is truly a pleasure to welcome you to Open Door Graphics Group, my name is David and I appreciate your time and interest in Open Door Graphics Group.
“Life's Journey is not to arrive at the grave safely, in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting “Holy shit, what a ride!”
- Hunter S Thompson
Open Door Graphic has been a journey sparked over thirty years ago, to be honest, I had no clue what it was. It was, a whispering, in the depths of my heart and soul. At the time it was this undeniable calling to share my creative abilities, which has transformed into my passion. While the initial concept was simply a logo assignment to encapsulate and sell my design services and art, it has bloomed into something more profound.
I have always had a fire inside to express myself with the hope of helping others connect to the deeper witnessing of life. Open Door Graphic Studio was a sole proprietor business for about three years, until marriage, birth of my son and life's responsibilities refocused my energy. I offered graphic, advertising and design services in Wisconsin and Colorado. It was also a vehicle to sell my fine art which was momentarily successful. I sold nearly all of my studio work from college. Life and choices changed my ability to continue producing, leaving a deep hole in my heart and soul.
Now I have returned! With a clear mission and goal; I offer you Open Door Graphics Group LLC. It took some time for my inner child to press upon me the joy and healing properties I receive in the creation of art and now I want to share this experience. I never consciously admitted until now that my art has always been a deep cry of my inner child from the trauma I lived through as a toddler, child and adolescent. My inner child screamed to be heard and threw temper tantrums begging to be accepted, attuned, loved and appreciated. This same struggle led me through addiction and now recovery.
I have created Open Door Graphics Group as a portal to explore the emotional aspects of trauma, addiction, recovery and healing through artistic expression, helping connect and express our emotions through art.
This can be accomplished through the courses I offer here in a virtual class room led by me. We will explore a variety of topics and use the power of creation through painting to connect to our higher power and inner child, in celebration. This portal also connects you to my storefront on Etsy as well as my calendar of events and shows where my original art can be viewed and/or purchased.
This is a door into you for me. To give is better than to receive. So, I have wrapped up 50 plus years of art and 50 years of therapy into this portal in the hopes that you may find a new tool to help provide a healthy direction, perhaps some relief and healing from trauma and addiction. We will celebrate the healing through the power of creation connecting your emotions with art. You are welcome here. This is a safe place. This is a tool and not the only path, just one idea that you may enjoy and find benefits in. There are many paths in recovery. Art can provide a deep connection to your subconscious and higher power which takes place in the act of creation.
My Journey
My art is my translation of the world through the filter of my life experience. I am an artist who was trapped in Rip Van Winkle's sleep frozen by self doubt by my own limiting beliefs. I have emerged from my slumber to pick up my art and assist people in the recovery and healing process. I am offering a fun way to dig deep and another tool you can use to help in your healing journey. I am actively healing and in recovery, through one on one therapy, group meetings, reading, meditation and painting.
Why This Space Exists
My art is my translation of the world through the filter of my life experience. I am an artist who was trapped in Rip Van Winkle's sleep frozen by self doubt by my own limiting beliefs. I have emerged from my slumber to pick up my art and assist people in the recovery and healing process. I am offering a fun way to dig deep and another tool you can use to help in your healing journey. I am actively healing and in recovery, through one on one therapy, group meetings, reading, meditation and painting.
The Artist
I have been an artist since I was thrust on this blue marble. Art has always been my vehicle of expression, especially when words did not work. I studied art at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, where I graduated with a BFA in Studio Painting. My studio background is actually very diverse encompassing Painting, Photography, Sculpture, Digital Creation, Graphic Communication, Advertising and Design. On the shoulders of giants, I have been blessed by incredible instructors throughout my University experience. My painting instructors were; Joann Kindt, Ron Weaver, and Jeff Lipschutz. I also owe a lifetime of gratitude to Arthur Pontynen and Dr. Wendell C. Bean for challenging me to think critically, ask continually and search relentlessly. ..
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I am a hybrid of fine artist infused with digital and print design knowledge. I have drafting and designing in my blood since middle school drafting classes which has influenced my skewed perspectives creating surreal imagery and tension. I tend to use saturated, vivid colors that aggressively stand out on the canvas with the goal of expressing, instead of a thousand words, one word. In art I have found the ability to create and explore a myriad of things in life and imagination. The act of creating in itself is a cathartic healing experience and offers us power and a feeling of being in control in a world where we have come to realize we have little or no control.
My Art has been primarily driven by my life experiences from trauma to recovery, healing and the connection with human spirituality. There is deep therapy and healing when we discover the ability to create and express ourself. My imagery and color is inspired by many yet, Picasso, Van Gogh and Salvatore Dali always seem to insert themselves in my imagery. Art can have a profound effect within the viewer creating an emotional connection from the artist to the viewer transcending verbal expression. I always wanted to be a fireman. meaning my visual expression causes a revelation in spirit or consciousness for the viewer. I have limited images of my earlier work https://www.coroflot.com/ODGStudios/stream as it was before the digital age and most of it was sold with little or no record.
This is your direct connection to m y art and courses which I offer. My art is available at shows I do, Etsy, and I am now offering Zoom classes, tutoring individuals on the healing capacity of creation and emotional expression through color with painting classes.
I hope you find a safe space here to explore your emotions through paint and a little direction. I challenge you to be present, feel fearlessly, make bold connections with other human beings and discover your emotions and perhaps your hidden artist. Celebrate your ignored inner child who just wants acceptance and love.
You are welcome here.
What We Believe In
Creativity as a Healing Tool
Art gives us control in a world where we often have none
Empathy & Compassion
Every emotion is valid. No trauma is worse or better than another
Safe Space &
Trust
Mutual respect is required. Judgement is not.
Discovery & Inclusion
Everyone is welcome, no matter their background.
Honesty & Self-Expression
I am a Certified CCAR Professional Recovery Coach (PRC). A Professional Recovery Coach is a trained, non-clinical professional who provides guidance and support to individuals in recovery from addiction or mental health challenges. We focus on helping individuals achieve their recovery goals, maintain sobriety and build a sustainable life beyond treatment.
I have, however, over 45 years of experience as a seeker, researcher and explorer of healing from my own trauma as a toddler, child, adolescent, teenager and adult. As a child, I was abused, sexually, physically, emotionally and mentally. I have been in one form or another of psychological counseling with educated and experienced counselors for 45 years. My coping mechanisms have manifested themselves in the form of addiction and the use of external things to numb myself or make myself feel better including and not limited to drugs, alcohol, food, adrenaline sports, over working and sex.
Ever since I was a child I knew I was different, yet, the same as others. I will never say one trauma is harder or worse than another. No trauma is wholly unique yet it is completely unique to the individual and how our coping mechanisms (addiction) manifest themselves in our life. Our brains have one primary directive; to protect the body and mind no matter what. Trauma hurts us at so many levels that to label one worse than the other is pointless and unfair to each of us.
The damage has been done and now we must face the consequences of it and find lasting and sustainable healing. I have read deeply about trauma, PTSD, attunement, attachment, connection, boundaries, belief systems, meditation, communication as well as how to be an adult in relationships. I am in several 12 step programs and see my therapist regularly. I have successfully meditated daily for 3 years and journal *Blog Link* which has taught me new ways to handle my triggers ,addiction, anxiety and self limiting beliefs; There is only one path for recovery. That is your path. My experience has shown me there is ‘no one path to recovery or healing’. There is only one path and it is YOUR path based on what works for you and what inspires you.
I am NOT a therapist or counselor. These classes and blog are non-therapeutic and not as a substitute for professional therapy.
I have been in active therapy for nearly 45 years. I am currently enrolled in training to become a Recovery Coach Professional. I draw from my own experience and exploration of recovery and healing. I have created this site with the purpose of helping people heal, recover and learn to explore and express their emotions through painting; I am fascinated with the spiritual connection of the human condition, emotions and how, through painting we can connect with people and find healing.
What is a Licensed Addiction Recovery Coach? An Addiction Recovery Coach is a non-clinical professional who provides support, guidance, and resources to individuals in recovery from substance use disorders, often with lived experience in recovery themselves, helping them achieve and maintain sobriety. Resources are defined as any program or process identified as recovery and there are more than you may realize.
Recovery is a daily exercise that never ends, yet it does get better. With new ways of thinking through connections, rewiring, rewriting our own circuitry, and a variety of other recovery models we learn how to use new tools, there is relief and hope one day at a time. I aspire to provide you a vehicle of communication and discovery through creation of art allowing you to explore your emotions, express them and revel in your own inner beauty of being a feeling, healing human being.
‘I must be willing to give up what I am in order to become what I will be’
- Albert Einstien
Creating a Safe Space for Healing
This space is built on the principles of Trauma-Informed Care (TIC). We understand that what may not trigger one person can deeply affect another. We approach art with sensitivity, support, and no judgment.
Five Core TIC Principles
Safety (Emotional & Physical)
Trustworthiness & Transparency
Choice & Empowerment
Collaboration & Peer Support
Understanding & Sensitivity