Over the last two decades, the weakened branches of the art industry have coerced the challenges for artists. Not to forget, the evolution and growth of the digital market are also contributing factors in eroding the value of hand-painted art.
However, on the other hand, the statistics indicate that the global art market yielded approximately USD 68 billion in 2022, negating the decreasing demand for art. Art, in every way, is a bridge connecting humans with the elements of nature and aesthetics. This not only paves new opportunities but feeds the soul and passion.
“Food for the body is not enough. There must be food for the soul.”
-Dorothy Day
Who doesn’t dream of having an audience to showcase their art? While Don Hershman, a US-based Podiatric Surgeon and Figurative Artist, who currently resides in San Francisco, also had one to display his paintings and proactively participate in the exhibitions.
Born and raised in the hustling borough of New York City, Brooklyn, he had experienced the amusing historic museums while growing up. While his early childhood was spent visiting museums, he was inspired by the detailed art of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Thereby, the desire to pursue his career in the field of Art and create sketches as well as explore the merging of colors propelled.
Realizing the unstable income stream in the art industry, Hershman decided to embrace the path of medicine, considering the career security it offers. Therefore, he was enrolled at the State University of New York for a BA Pre-medical in Bioscience/Psychology. Followed by that, he completed UCSF – Doctor of Podiatric Medicine D.P.M from the reputable medicine college – California College of Podiatric Medicine.
However, the trembling foundation of the art industry didn’t bury Hershman’s passion for art. During his tenure as a board member and fellow of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, in 1992, he hosted a gathering to showcase his new paintings.
Hershman’s love for painting art was never buried while being a proactive member of the surgeon community. In 2000, he was invited as a guest at Spectrum Gallery, where he participated in displaying his paintings. Witnessing the demand for his paintings, he was amazed to see that all his art pieces were sold out.
Comparing his participation at exhibitions throughout his career, he initiated his art career by participating in one, which has now multiplied to seven events in 2023. These include Radian Gallery, "Moda Botanica," a group show in San Francisco, CA, 1890 Bryant Open Studios, San Francisco, CA, ArtSpan Juried Benefit Art Show & Auction, San Francisco, CA, Studio 401 Gallerie, 'Is, Was, and Always Will Be, San Francisco, CA, Salomon Arts Gallery, “The Art of Code Switching,” solo show, New York, NY, 2358MRKT Gallery, "Visible," group show, San Francisco, CA, Helvella Art, "Pride Is Not a Crime," group show, Oakland, CA and more.
Furthermore, in 2020, the uniquely crafted paintings of Hershman were nominated for a group show at the DeYoung Museum, while in 2021, he managed to attain a successful show, Under the Influence: Donald and Victor, held at Salomon Arts Gallery. Hershman’s paintings gain the recognition of their uniqueness as his art reflects the dimension of political and social climates – choosing aesthetics as a driving vehicle to convey his personality – communicating the compassion and kindness he holds.
Conclusively, the art within the personality of Hershman has been alive for 25 years, incorporating the technique of shadows into his paintings. The essence of art has kept his soul warm, along with enriching life experiences.
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