David’s art career officially began after his formal training from the Pilchuck Glass School, founded by Dale Chihuly, for the first time in 1999. He was one of the youngest artists to ever attend the school. There he studied the art of shaping and polishing under Mark Taylor. From this experience and work in the class David developed a unique style of cutting crystal based on his observations of crystal and ice and strived to exemplify their characteristics and enhance light in his creations. While attending college he began showing his sculptural work in local galleries and evolving his style. In 2004 after graduation, David attended Pilchuck again and continued to improve his sculpture techniques. His style became more detailed and precise. Then, in 2004, David got his break. He was commissioned to construct a five-foot sculpture of the Google logo out of his crystalline style for the office’s co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page (see below). This custom commission enabled David to move to San Diego and open up a studio.

In San Diego, David started to focus on smaller sculptures, candle holders, paperweights, et cetera, incorporating infused technologies developed by NASA. He began to sell his work at local shows and one night at a farmers market, in May 2005, a young lady asked David to transform one of the custom paperweights into a pendant, and that was it - David found his calling. The pieces looked great on the skin with the beautiful combination of color and glow. He began to focus his unique signature techniques into the creation of his LeightWorks Crystal Jewelry line, which he continues today.

LeightWorks Mermaid Pendant