Art, Work, and the Power of Connection — David Plant

I was born and raised in Daly City, California, near San Francisco. Growing up, I was surrounded by art and culture. I loved being creative from a young age.

My dad worked for the San Francisco Police Department, and my mom stayed home to take care of our family.

When I was about three years old, I had a serious accident at home and almost suffocated. After the accident, I lost my ability to communicate because of aphasia. The doctors told my parents they should place me in an institution. They said no. They believed in me and wanted me to grow up at home with my family.

Block Print with desert animals – David Plant, year unknown

Instead, my parents found help through the Speech and Hearing Clinic at San Francisco State University. There, they discovered that I could communicate through drawing. That breakthrough changed everything.

I don’t remember much about that time, but I do remember how much my family helped me. My mom spent countless hours reading to me, talking with me about my drawings, and encouraging me to express myself through art. Little by little, I learned to communicate again. As I grew older, I showed characteristics of autism, but my family’s belief in me never changed.

As I got older, I attended Skyline Community College and studied Fine Arts. I have continued to take art classes throughout my life to build my skills, but I am mostly self-taught. My dream was to become an art teacher. I always thought I needed a college degree to do that.

Before starting my own business, I worked seasonal jobs at Macy’s in San Bruno as Santa Claus, which I really enjoyed,

Alice in Wonderland Through the Looking Glass — David Plant 2024

scratchy beard and all! I also worked at Target.

Around 2006, I moved to be closer to my family. It was a very different environment from what I was used to. More than ever, I realized how important it was to connect with people. I met someone who became a mentor and has supported my business ever since.

One thing I have learned is that if you want to start your own business, it is important to know your strengths and your challenges. For example, I do not like using the phone. I ask for support when I need it, stay connected with people who know me, and speak up for what works best for me. I also receive employment support through my regional center and a program called Adventures in Business.

Today, I travel to art shows and sell my artwork. I could probably make more money by selling my art in stores, but that is not what matters most to me. What I love most is meeting the people who buy my artwork. Building those connections is my favorite part of being self-employed.

I also achieved my dream of teaching. Every Tuesday, I teach paid art classes for people with developmental and other disabilities. I respect every one of my students, and I enjoy helping them discover their own creativity.

If there is one message I want to share, it is this: Be yourself. Don’t give up on your dreams. Keep pursuing the work you love.

Today, I live independently with my cat, George. I don’t watch television. Instead, I spend my time creating printmaking art. I use hand-etched blocks and an old-fashioned printing method, pressing each print by hand with a wooden spoon. No two prints are ever the same.

When I need inspiration, I spend time outdoors and connect with friends.

As we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month, I want to leave you with these words:

DO NOT GIVE UP; BE YOURSELF.

Want to learn more about David and his art? Watch this three-minute video by Doug Churchill, The Artist, David Plant: https://www.dougchurchill.com/davidplant/h657a6b0d#h657a6b0d

David’s story reflects the importance of having opportunities and support that help people pursue the lives they want. Today, he lives independently, continues creating and sharing his art, and stays connected to his friends and community. Regional center services can help people with developmental disabilities explore supports based on their own goals for independence, employment and community life.

Learn more about regional center services and resources:
https://scdd.ca.gov/regionalcenterservices/

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