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Dave welcomes all artistic challenges with open arms. He is happy to accept commissioned work for projects that he feels drawn to, such as murals, canvases, digital logo designs or sculptural works.
Dave turned 55 recently and is still very much a kid at heart, making art and finding “play” in everything that he does.
Over the decades Dave’s artistic style has evolved dramatically from abstract expressionism to pop-art inspired bold, bright and playful colour combinations with imaginative caricatures; to dark, edgy and apocalyptic graphic-inspired themes and more caricatures; to colourful graphic landscapes reminiscent of Whistler; to adorable genetically modified land, sea and air critters that splash, dance and float across the page.
Never the type of artist to take the easy way out and create the same thing repeatedly for years to come, where styles become stagnant and the viewer knows what to expect; Dave has been challenging his mind’s eye and expanding his creative vision with the curiosity and excitement of a kid in a candy store.
He’s worked with a multitude of different mediums and canvases, from various paints to laser lights, lamp works to wax, human skin to sketching paper, scrap wood to styrofoam, analogue to digital, tiny to gigantic, and 2D to 3D.
Dave owns and operates Black Ohm Tattoos in Function Junction, Whistler, where he custom designs one-of-a-kind bold and colourful tattoos for Whistler locals and tourists for the past 24 years.
When Dave is not tattooing, he is often found traveling and making large-scale art installations as a resident artist for the Guild Art Collective, such as for the Tortuga Music Festival in Fort Lauderdale; Pemberton Music Festival in Pemberton; Lost Lands Music Festival in Ohio; and Bass Coast Music Festival in Merritt, British Columbia.
Dave welcomes all artistic challenges with open arms. He is happy to accept commissioned work for projects that he feels drawn to, such as murals, canvases, digital logo designs or sculptural works.
”"Dave Petko is one of Whistler’s most compelling and diverse contemporary artists. From his captivating paintings of ethereal mountain and cityscapes to his graphic design talents, Dave’s work is often a joyful surprise. His illustrations feature whimsical characters and creatures that can hang on your wall or be tattooed on your fine self. As someone who owns a piece of Dave’s art and has the privilege of working with him through my role at Arts Whistler, I’m very glad that Dave Petko shares his intriguing creative mind with the world."
Mo Douglas-Executive Director Arts Whistler at Maury Young Arts Centre
”"In the vibrant artistic landscape of Whistler, few creators have left their mark as Dave "PEPE" Petko. His masterful body of work, spanning decades, demonstrates not only technical excellence but also a profound appreciation for the local environment. Pepe continues to inspire and challenge conventional boundaries.
Liz Thompson-Artist and cofounder Bass Coast Music Festival
What truly sets his work apart is the seamless fusion of technical precision with emotional depth. Each creation showcases a meticulous craftsmanship that can only come from years of dedicated practice and unwavering commitment to artistic excellent.
His influence extends far beyond his own output, as he generously shares his expertise and vision with emerging artists. As a mentor, for artists like myself he has cultivated a legacy that will continue to shape the artistic landscape for generations to come, making him not just a master of his craft, but a true custodian of artistic tradition and innovation"
”"Ive known Dave for a long time and hes ond of the bnicest guys you'll meet! Hes also a stellar artist and although i have yet to be tattooed by him, i will when thr timf is right. Hid art id top notch anc his eye is keen. Do yourself a favor and go see him!"
Matt Fiorito-bassist of Dayglo Abortions
”"Dave's art is always unique and constantly evolving. It's also cool as heck to look at—walking into someone's home and noticing they have a Petko canvas (or tattoo) is an immediate green flag...this person has taste!"
Feet Banks- Editor Mountain Life Magazine. Founder Heavy Hitting Films
”"Dave is a legend. Not only a brilliant and versatile artist on canvas, pixels and skin - he’s also one of the OG founders and key facilitators of the Sea-to-Sky underground art scene. Pepe‘s the real deal - a true original, creative innovator, community leader, force of nature, and all-round great guy. Whistler would suck without him."
Stu Mackey-Smith . Artist, founder Heavy Hitting Films
”"Dave did a phenomenal job on both my tattoos from the very beginning stages of conceptualization until I was fully healed with the after care.
Travis Tetreault- founder of Heavy Hitting Films
Very Experienced , talented and friendly.
Going back to him for my second piece a year later was a very easy decision.
Highly recommend."