David Sandum
Born in Gothenburg, Sweden, David Sandum lived several years as a young man in the United States. He attended the University of Utah, where he received a BA in speech communication in 1999. When he became ill with depression, he turned to writing and art to grapple with his symptoms. A thriving painter today, he views himself primarily as a colorist and expressionist—energy and emotions are key to his work.
In 2010, David earned international acclaim by founding TwitterArtExhibit, a social media initiative that encourages artists from around the world to submit hand-painted postcards to raise funds for local charities. This annual event has gone global, taking place in such cities as Los Angeles, Orlando, and New York City. The 2019 exhibit in Edinburgh, Scotland, attracted 900 artists from around the world.
David lives with his wife and two sons in Moss, Norway.
Praise
“This is a ground-breaking book that is visually stunning, psychologically hard-hitting, and emotionally mesmerizing . . . As much as the author presents beautiful and telling artwork (both his and the work of other artists), as well as the relief that the creative process brings to his life, he learns unequivocally that he has an illness that cannot be eschewed away by just ‘thinking differently.’ It’s a stellar journey into the harsh reality of mental illness, the resilience of the human spirit, and the healing power of art.”—US Review of Books
“With his book, David Sandum contributes towards tearing down the boundaries and walls around ‘nerve problems,’ which used to be ‘melancholy’. . . The book is honest and open, painful and raw, but also reflective and forward looking. It is insightful and useful, not only for those who struggle with mental health, but also for their families, friends, and colleagues.”—Tom Egeland, best-selling author of Relic and board member of the Norwegian Authors Union
“In this unapologetic account of his journey through life, depression, and self-realization, David Sandum affords us a rare glimpse into a world often misunderstood, even by those who find themselves living in it. . . . While there are many books about depression, few address the transformative power of art, not only on the viewer, but on the maker. Sandum’s awakening to art and its practice, while he is still in the grips of the disease, is a testament to the infinite wisdom of creativity.”—Nat George, visual artist and curator, Los Angeles
Videos
Books by David Sandum
