Meet David. David Dalla Gasperina.

Most people in your life you know for a season.

Then there are others you have the privilege of watching grow from one stage of life to the next.

When I think back to the start of my friendship with David, we were 6 years old.
We were kids learning how to master addition and subtraction,
and successfully spell our names,
and share a new box of crayons.

Even if your first impression of someone happened early in life, I don’t believe that memory ever leaves you.

So now that David is a young adult, rising in the hip hop music industry and no doubt on to some really amazing adventures, I can still picture that 6-year-old boy – the hair cuts, the games at recess, the classroom pranks.

But when I think of elementary-school David, the thing I remember the most is water lilies.

Yes, water lilies.

When we were in third grade we had an art unit on Claude Monet. And what better way to learn about the artist than to paint our own versions of his iconic water lilies.

My mom and David’s mom were two of the parent helpers on the project. I can vividly remember David, working on his painting as our moms stood close by.

His eyes were concentrated on the canvas, his fingers directing a paintbrush with swaths of green and blue. For a kid who I considered to be one of the “class clowns,” I was immediately drawn by how much he poured himself into a painting of delicate water lilies.

I’m not sure if David still has his 3rd grade painting, but I think I will always remember that moment.

Even when David is on some big stage performing in front of thousands, in the back of my mind, I’ll still see the little David, holding a green brush, painting water lilies.

A big thanks to David for sharing part of his story with us. Thanks, David, for being part of Strong Guy Move.

How does the word “movement” fit into your life? How does it relate to what you are currently doing? 

“Movement” is always in my life. Either I am running around town scouting a music video, heading to some event, or on tour playing a show.

Plus, anyone who has spent more than five minutes with me knows I can’t sit still. Even just writing this short paragraph, I went and got a glass of water, and watched a music video. I wouldn’t have it any other way though!

How does “stillness” fit into your life? How does that word sit with you? 

“Stillness” is not a word that fits into my life. I’m trying to have a career doing something a lot of people want to do, and only 1% get to do. There is far too much to do to be still.

What is one goal you have this year? 

My one goal is to completely finish my second album along with the campaign for it. Almost there!

Currently, who/what do you draw inspiration from? When you wake up in the morning, what pops into your head and gets you saying, “Today is my day!”?

I draw so much inspiration from my family. They are so loving and supportive. It definitely drives me to make them proud.

I also get inspiration from people working hard every day. I think looking at the paths people have taken to reach their goals can help others reach their own and be successful. Those people get me up every morning.

What is one thing you know to be true? What is your statement of faith that drives you to keep doing what you’re doing? 

I think people have a large hand in their fate. It’s your choice how to go about things and how to react to life. No matter what happens, if you want something badly enough, and really work for it, I believe you can find happiness.

What is something new that brings Joy to your life? 

I feel joy when I am with the people I love, when I accomplish a goal, and when I have captured an audience.

Water Lilies by Cladue Monet