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Children of Dave
David Jessup’s therapy is creating curious sculptures out of discarded or broken toy parts. For the past 8 years, Jessup has reassembled toys, he calls his children, and sold them via his website, David-Jessup.squarespace.com, and various art galleries and specialty shops. If visiting the Dallas-Fort Worth area, stop by Curiosities in Lakewood to view his latest children up for adoption.
Jessup is a stand-up comedian who can be seen on stage around the Dallas-Fort Worth area, as well. But in 2003, his life was uprooted with the murder of his friend John David “J.D.” White. White was also an artist whose body was found in the Trinity River in August of that year. He was 37; his case remains unsolved. While cleaning out White’s apartment, Jessup found a few toy parts. To honor his friend, he created his first sculpture. He hasn’t stopped since.
Think “Sid” from Toy Story (1995) with deep compassion. Jessup’s children are individually named and given a backstory. The pieces are fantastic embodiments of our inner child—raw yet charming in an innocent way.
Curiosities is a mother-and-son antique store specializing in “weird” art. The store is “jam-packed with antiques and oddities….” Terry and Jason Cohen stock the store with their “fine quality finds.” There is something literally for everyone. Browse their photos on their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/pg/curiositiesdallas/photos/?ref=page_internal.
Comedy has always been a part of his personality. Jessup grew up in Fort Myers, Florida and found his way to Texas. He has parlayed that comedic trait into creating stop-motion videos of his children at play. “A New You” (https://www.instagram.com/p/BxL8dfFA1Cp/) is my personal favorite.
Stop in or browse online. Catch Jessup’s act, as well. Listen to the father dispensing wisdom laced with humor and get a good laugh.
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I’m so sorry to hear what happened to Jessup’s friend, J.D. I’m also sorry to hear his case was never solved. It’s pretty cool that such a creative endeavor sprang from the ashes of tragedy.
I agree. He was able to honor his friend, his memory, and the fact that the case remains unsolved.
Wow. This is very complex. At first glance (at just the title), I thought this would be about some dude making creepy art that he called his children. But no. As usual, you’ve dug up something with a tragic backstory that is nothing what it seems at first glance. Another PHENOMENAL post! And now I have to go check out his YouTube. Didn’t do that before leaving the comment.
He’s a great guy. I grew up with him. The Instagram images and videos add another layer of complexity. Glad you liked!