Stigma-Free Advocacy & Art

David Cleofas Avila

"I create to square away the sequelae of life."For David Cleofas Avila, art is more than a passion—it is a mechanism for survival. As a multi-disciplinary artist, musician, and author, David weaves together evocative abstract paintings, soulful melodies, and narrative literature to process the human experience. His work stands as a testament to resilience, intentionally crafted to dismantle stigma and offer an enduring message of unconditional hope for tomorrow.

Recognized by National Arts and Disability Center at UCLA with a grant to develop painting.
Work priced by Ames Gallery and included in the Susan Fleming family collection curated by L. Marx.
Art published in Peatsmoke Journal, Gabby & Min (cover), NUNUM, Harpur Palate, and more.

• GO TO ART AT SAATCHI ART

Literature and Poetry

David's published poetry is found in:
Magnets and Ladders, Breath & Shadow, eMerge Magazine, The Poetry Cove, Flora Fiction, Poetry for Mental Health, Braver Collective, Assignment Literary Magazine, Art/s & Theology, Dissident Voice, Oddball Magazine.His published book is:
Lightward Home.David supports The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) by donating 10% of his writing proceeds to their efforts."I attribute my writing ability to my teachers, professors, and my mother, whose reading to me at an early age imbued imagination and love for books."

• LIGHTWARD HOME

• GO TO POETRY AT MEDIUM

David started his music journey as a teen with chopsticks and a broken guitar. A gift of a harmonica on his 20th birthday built up that drive. Playing bongos at a regular drum circle nearly a decade later led to group dynamic confidence. Woodshedding his harmonica turned into writing songs and performing, followed by recording and forming a band.
As an ASCAP member, David has made his music available for listening and download at Bandcamp via the link on this page.

• Listen on Bandcamp