Meet Dave Tree

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dave Tree.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was born in Boston and grew up in the suburbs. I always liked to draw, build and sing as a child my parents supplied materials to be creative but the arts was not encouraged. I grew up drawing and singing and building tree forts in the woods. School was difficult but after High School I attended Framingham State College to study art, photography and journalism. I saw a definite connection between the two, both art and journalism educate the people on current events and meaning in life.

After a few years at FSC i became aware that to speak freely and honestly to the people I couldn’t be a journalist that would be edited so I decided to concentrate on being just an artist and I started a punk rock hardcore band called TREE and then transferred to the School of the Museum of Fine Art. It was a great experience I could use anything the facility offered and I did. I worked in the dark rooms, in silk screening, offset printing, welding, ceramics, film and video and I graduated 2 years early on a 4-year program. I also created an art gallery in the basement of the school, helped get a graffiti gallery in the back, and I booked promoted and played many rock shows in the school. After graduation from SMFA my art and music careers were growing fast and I had to decide which to concentrate on so I decided on music because I thought my art would reach more people.

I still made art but I did tour in a van for 10 years across the country and releasing 7 full length recordings. After TREE broke up I still started Drug War and also started showing art in NYC. I showed in lots of NYC show and started working with Fountain Art Fair in NYC during Armory, in Los Angeles, Chicago and in Miami for Art Basel. I currently run my own silk screen shop called SweeTree Ink and curating the “Long Haul” gallery and booking in the ‘Launch Pad” at the Norwood Space Center. I also sing and record in my new band SEE THIS WORLD

Please tell us about your art.
I make art in many different mediums and I see art in everything around me. I make art to be a part of it all. Part of being connected to everything. Art is the tip of the spear for the evolution of our species and for the preservation of the nature that gives us life. My art can be a whisper in your heart or a hammer to your skull.

Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
The role of artists has never changed. Artists must inspire and give hope to those in despair but also celebrate our existence and make history. Current events have always played a big part in my art, artists have a responsibility to take on the hard issues and maybe even solve them.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
To see my art you must come to the show. To support my art, you must come to the show.

Contact Info:

• Address: Dave TREE
• Website: davetree.com
• Email: sweetreeink@gmail.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/dave.tree.14
• Twitter: @TheDaveTREE

Image Credit:
Photo of Sam Black Church at the Channel Boston Ma 1991
Mr Butch goes to Heaven

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