SUNY Westchester Peekskill SUNY Westchester Peekskill ● 27 North Division Street Peekskill NY 10566 ● 914-606-7300 Since 2017, my heart has been deeply invested in the artistic vision of SUNY Westchester Community College, where I’ve had the honor of teaching courses in Comics, Illustration, and Digital Painting. As an educator, my ultimate mission is to be a catalyst for my students, propelling them towards the realization of their true potential and arming them with the skills to conquer the industry. I want them to embrace the unwavering belief that with hard work and dedication, every dream is within their grasp. It fills me with immense gratitude to see that the faculty shares the same vision, creating a nurturing community that not only celebrates art but also embraces the transformative power of impactful storytelling. Allow me to take you back to the origins of my own artistic journey, where the seeds of my passion were sown. As a child, I was greatly inspired whenever I had the opportunity to create stories with my dear friends. Those moments were pure magic, nurturing the flame of artistic expression within me. Fast forward to the late 2000’s, when fate led me to the vibrant campus of Westchester Community College. It was there, in the embrace of the college’s creative energy, that I experienced an epiphany that would shape the course of my life. The realization washed over me like a tidal wave - I was meant to be an artist. Though my initial ambitions leaned towards a career in the medical field, my first art class revealed a profound truth: I could turn my passion for art into a professional calling. In a leap of faith, I pivoted my major to Visual Arts, allowing my creativity to bloom. With my B.F.A in Comics and Illustration from the School of Visual Arts in hand, I embarked on a thrilling voyage into the vast expanse of artistic possibilities. I was fortunate to hit the ground running, earning opportunities to collaborate with industry giants such as Yahoo and Google as a storyboard artist. It was during this formative period that I honed my skills, simultaneously nourishing my personal artistic endeavors. My works, imbued with the essence of my soul, found their way into prestigious galleries across New York and Westchester. The Mehu Gallery, the Society of Illustrators, and the hallowed halls of the Poe Park Gallery stood witness to the boundless expression of my creative spirit. Amidst my gallery exhibitions and convention appearances, it is the “Wall of Legends”. It is a 550 ft. wide collection of murals representing the culmination of my dedication and passion for art. Each illustration captures the spirit and essence of legendary figures from Mount Vernon, breathing life into their stories and immortalizing their legacies. It’s a humbling experience to know that my artwork has become a conduit for storytelling, bridging the gap between the past and the present. Today, I find myself blessed to be a full-time illustrator for Sales-One, where I work hand in hand with legendary brands like Marvel, Lucasfilm, Warner Bros., and Nickelodeon. But my heart finds solace in the role of an instructor, as I have the privilege of guiding aspiring artists at the esteemed Rye Arts Center and the Center for the Digital Arts of Westchester Community College, nestled right here in the vibrant heart of Peekskill. Throughout my artistic journey, my deepest desire is to inspire fellow creators, lighting a fire within them and illuminating the path to transforming their passion into a fulfilling career. I want them to know that success lies within their grasp, awaiting those who possess commitment and an unquenchable thirst for artistic excellence. With every stroke of my brush, every creation that flows from the depths of my being, I strive to unleash captivating and thought-provoking works that transcend time and leave an indelible mark on the world. May my journey serve as a testament to the boundless possibilities that lie within the realm of art. Let us embark together, fueled by unwavering determination and a shared passion, to create a legacy that resonates for generations to come. — David Abrevaya FACULTY FOCUS Website: www.davidabrevaya.com, IG: @david_abrevaya 17
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