In the dynamic and ever-evolving world of art, few stories resonate as deeply as that of David Fay, a Las Vegas-based sculptor whose journey is as colorful and textured as the art he creates. Fay’s path has been shaped by creativity, profound personal experiences, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. His work stands as a testament to resilience, storytelling, and the transformative power of imagination.

A Childhood Shaped by Creativity

Fay’s artistic journey began in his childhood, nurtured by a family that recognized and encouraged his creative spark. Every Christmas, Fay’s parents, grandmother, and Aunt EstherMay gifted him art supplies and projects. These presents became his favorite treasures, sparking a lifelong passion for creating.

His aunt played a pivotal role in fostering his artistic sensibility. She would set up large clipboards with paper and charcoal, sending Fay and his sister outdoors to sketch their surroundings. His grandmother also encouraged his creativity, teaching him to cut fabrics and design clothing. Even as a child, Fay’s imagination turned everyday objects into stories. Sticks became dolls, and L’eggs pantyhose containers transformed into futuristic spacecraft.

“My family’s encouragement made art feel like a natural and essential part of life,” Fay recalls. “It was never just a hobby; it was who I was.”

Rediscovering Art Through Loss

Despite his early passion, Fay’s artistic ambitions took a backseat for 22 years as he pursued a career in equestrian riding and later thrived as Vice President and Event Design Manager at AllStar Event Services. It wasn’t until a wave of personal losses—including the deaths of his father, his friend Tara, and his mentor Robert Forbuss—that Fay turned back to art as a means of healing.

Grief forced Fay to reassess his life. Unable to return to the chaos of corporate events, he found solace in solitude and eventually rediscovered his creative spark through a seemingly small act: repurposing ribbon spools into a sculpture. The piece, *A Birdsong Forgotten in Time,* was displayed in a local pub and caught the attention of gallery owner Jana Lynch. Her encouragement marked the beginning of Fay’s career as a professional artist.

“That was the turning point,” Fay reflects. “Art became my path to healing and rediscovering who I truly am.”

Embracing Assemblage Art

Fay’s work is characterized by a unique assemblage technique, repurposing everyday objects into sculptures that tell new stories. “It is important to stress that my assigning personalities to objects basically turned them into

living things. The objects with these personalities become impossible to let go. However the turning point was by placing them into art I was able to allow them to move on,” said Fay. His childhood tendency to see potential in discarded items, often assigning human traits to inanimate objects—a trait known as anthropomorphism—became central to his artistic process.

This approach allows Fay to infuse his work with personal and historical significance. In one piece, he used his great-aunt’s silverware; in another, he included an earring worn by his mother to President Carter’s inaugural ball. By transforming cherished objects into art, Fay gives them new life and creates a deeper connection with his audience.

“My assemblage technique is about storytelling,” Fay explains. “Each piece carries its own history, woven into something entirely new.”

*On2ndThought*: A Memorial and a Lesson

The Route 91 Harvest Festival massacre profoundly affected Fay and inspired one of his most significant works, *On2ndThought*. Created from over 600 decommissioned firearms provided by the Albuquerque Police Department, 1,100 shells representing the number of casings found in the shooter's hotel room. 60 brass shells placed into the shoulders

representing the lives taken in the world's largest mass shooting to date. The sculpture reflects on humanity’s destructive relationship with guns. It also serves as a tribute to the victims of the tragedy.

The piece—a robotic figure inspired by *The Thinker*—took 750 hours over three months to complete. Fay incorporated symbolic elements, including 1,500 shell casings and a gun butt carved into the figure’s heart. The sculpture debuted on the third anniversary of the massacre, offering families of the victims a space for reflection and remembrance.

However, the project taught Fay an important lesson about protecting his creative vision. Despite his intentions, the activist group Indecline misrepresented the sculpture’s message, overshadowing its role as a memorial. Fay now emphasizes the importance of clear contracts and advocating for one’s work.

“*On2ndThought* remains a powerful piece,” Fay says. “I hope it can one day visit sites of gun violence, honoring lives lost and inspiring meaningful conversations.”

The *BattleTrot* Experience

Another career milestone came when Fay was invited to be the first Artist-in-Residence for *BattleBots*. Tasked with creating a sculpture from wreckage of competing robots, Fay faced unexpected challenges, including delays in receiving materials. A heartfelt letter to the teams eventually garnered their support, transforming the project into a collaborative effort.

The result, *BattleTrot*, was a Trojan horse sculpture symbolizing the ingenuity and unpredictability of the robots. The piece featured moving parts, chains, and gears, capturing the spirit of innovation and destruction that defines *BattleBots*. It was auctioned internationally, becoming Fay’s first work to sell to a buyer in Switzerland.

“Working on *BattleTrot* taught me to adapt and collaborate,” Fay shares. “It was an incredible experience that pushed me creatively.”

Identity, Resilience, and Pride

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Fay’s journey has been marked by both challenges and triumphs. Growing up, he endured relentless bullying due to his last name and sexuality. For years, he distanced himself from his identity, even dropping his last name during a brief stint in acting and modeling. With a name rhyming with “gay” the humiliation came easily… first it was GAY FAY , or Fay GAY , which escalated to FAY-GOT By a P .E. Coach in Highschool. It wasn’t until he embraced his artistic career that he reclaimed his name and identity with pride. “Then Jerry Belt walked in at one of my first shows and said ‘That’s God Damn FAYbulous fabulous.”, inspiring him to sign his work with the phrase *He’s So Fay!* as a declaration of resilience and authenticity.

“My identity has become a source of strength,” Fay says. “It fuels my art and inspires me to celebrate individuality and creativity.”

A Supportive Artistic Community

Fay credits the Las Vegas art community with providing the support and encouragement that allowed him to thrive. From mentorship by artists like Jana Lynch and Lisa Dittrich to collaborations with local businesses, Fay found a network that valued his talent and vision.

“Being an artist has felt magical,” Fay reflects. “The community has embraced me, and I’ve been fortunate to give back by sharing my knowledge and supporting other artists.” Jacie Maynard, who was president of the Las Vegas Artists Guild at the time, said it best: “Don’t worry, David, we have your back. We are artists helping other artists.”

David started with a $99 welder from Harbor Freight and eventually moved to a Hobart welder, generously gifted by Larry and Barbara Domsky, who have been invaluable mentors. Main Street Moto, whose owners, Tara and Steve, have supplied David with countless motorcycle parts that have been incorporated into many sculptures.

“I began my artistic journey outdoors, working on a wooden table covered with a thin sheet of metal in my backyard. For six years, I dedicated myself to 12-hour days, braving blazing heat, freezing cold, and monsoons—all while pushing through every challenge to create. That perseverance has brought me to where I am today: a beautiful indoor studio and gallery called Ups & Downs, which I share with my life partner, Erick Walck.

Erick, a former Broadway performer and gifted artist, inspires me every day. Together, we’ve built a space filled with love, creativity, and joy. From our vintage pinball collection to a koi pond and a chicken coop made from reclaimed materials, our home is a reflection of our shared passion for imagination. This journey has been one of resilience, growth, and collaboration.

His first solo show caught the attention of Animazing Gallery’s owners, Karen and Nick Leone, who invited him to participate in their Art Connect program at The Venetian. The program introduced downtown artists to Strip clientele, proving that great art can thrive off the beaten path.

Advocacy Through Art

While Fay’s work isn’t exclusively focused on LGBTQ+ advocacy, his identity and experiences often inform his art. In a playful tribute to *The Wizard of Oz*, Fay created a sculpture featuring the Tin Man wearing ruby slippers, with a note from Glinda that read, “They were yours from the moment you laid eyes on them.” The piece reflects Fay’s humor, creativity, and connection to his roots.

“I’ve witnessed incredible progress in LGBTQ+ rights,” Fay says. “If a project can raise awareness or celebrate our community, I’m all in. My life experiences have taught me the power of art to express, heal, and connect.”

Looking Ahead

Fay’s artistic journey continues to evolve, driven by curiosity and a commitment to learning. From his early days working with a $99 welder in his backyard to creating large-scale sculptures for international audiences, Fay exemplifies the power of perseverance and passion.

“Every day, I spend hours learning new techniques and experimenting,” Fay says. “The beauty of being an artist is the freedom to follow inspiration wherever it leads.”

Advice for Aspiring Artists

To aspiring artists, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community, Fay offers this advice: “Do what makes you happy. Never stop creating. Your art has the power to touch lives and bring joy.”

Fay’s morning rituals, including affirmations from his Alexa device, serve as a reminder of his journey and the resilience that fuels his creativity. His art is not only a reflection of his identity but also a celebration of the human spirit.

“Believe in yourself,” Fay encourages. “Surround yourself with kindred spirits who lift you up, and let your art shine as a beacon of light. The world longs for your creativity, your imagination, and your voice.”

A Life of Pure Imagination

From his childhood creations to his internationally recognized sculptures, David Fay’s journey is a testament to the power of imagination and the resilience of the human spirit. Through his work, he invites audiences to see the world through his eyes—filled with wonder, possibility, and the belief that anything is achievable.

As Fay reflects on his journey, he quotes J.M. Barrie: “The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it.”

David Fay’s art reminds us all to believe in the impossible, chase our dreams, and transform the world through creativity.