'We are all capable': David Estes captures creativity by combining science with sculpture

Feb. 1—There are days when things don't go exactly right for David Estes.

Take for instance, Estes driving to The Groove Artspace to install some of his pieces, and the trailer opens up and he drops pieces of his art, along with his tools.

"I was able to get all the tools," he says with a smile. "The rest can be replaced."

Estes is the featured artist at The Groove Artspace through Feb. 14. He is joined by Alison Robbenhaar who has "Sunflower Ode and Other New Works" on display as well.

The exhibit has an opening reception from 5-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2, at The Groove Artspace.

"Erica (Harding) approached me several months ago to see if I wanted to be part of the show," Estes says. "I sold a piece through this space and I've always liked Alison. She's taking her still life into a more abstract direction. I have a piece that is complementary to her work."

Estes grew up in Albuquerque and he got a late start with his art journey.

"I'm the maker-in-residence at Explora," he says. "I used to teach science. I like to reach middle school-aged kids because the best way to engage is to make things with them. Making art with kids is only one step removed from doing science."

Estes was six years into his Ph.D. program before his "a-ha" moment.

"I realized that I didn't actually like doing the laboratory bench science," he says. "I don't like doing things over and over again. In science, you have to do everything in triplicate."

Estes made his jump to art full time.

"With art, I get to do something different every day," he says. "I still get to be creative and think about scientific problems. I'm doing art in a way that is more open and free. That was the key. Once I started building kinetic sculptures, my creativeness opened up."

With the sculptures, Estes is able to build on a grand scale — and it all starts with sketches.

"I'll be at a coffee shop and draw something," he says. "I never thought I could draw. I was one of those people that was like, 'I'm not an artist.' But we are all capable and people need to know that they can do this and have creative freedom."