Avoiding blank canvases: street art and the Earless Mickey | David Zinn | TEDxUofM

An Ann Arbor native and University of Michigan alum, David Zinn is a world-renowned street artist who specializes in chalk art and is most known for his trademark chalk creatures. His work has taken him everywhere from Ann Arbor to Taiwan, and it is always improvised based on unique locational elements like cracks in the sidewalk. In his talk, he shares his perspective on street art, blank canvases, and more. David Zinn is a renowned street artist who specializes in chalk art and is most known for his trademark chalk creatures. His work has taken him everywhere from Ann Arbor to Taiwan, and it is always improvised based on unique locational elements like cracks in the sidewalk. He’s super excited to share his perspective on street art, artists and more on the TEDxUofM stage this year! This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@topcat2935]

For a guy who didn't want to talk to people, he is an amazing speaker! David, Thank You for sharing your (little a) art and your stories.

[@ZLinkElite]

Wow he is not only a capital A artist but a great speaker!!! Love him even more!!!

[@michaelmilsom9518]

My heart was racing to see what he would do with the wall and the street lamp once he saw the opportunity. Too brilliant

[@ralphlivingston894]

How did A supposedly shy person become so accessible and charismatic on stage? One of my favorite TEDTalks of all time and a wonderful escape for the time we’re going through right now. Thank you.

[@ohheyitsCassie]

What an incredibly underrated TedTalk! I laughed, I teared up a bit at the end, loved it. A beautiful, creative mind, a gorgeous speaking voice and a fantastic ability to tell stories.

[@Wildweib]

Same here! Thanks for writing almost the exact comment I wanted to write 8 months later, and merry greetings from Germany, Cassandra :-).

[@tc2486]

Totally agree with everything you wrote.

[@rhinosoars]

Wonderful! Not every Artist is as ARTiculate about their craft.

[@PalomaVita]

I so enjoyed your talk, Mr. Zinn. I love your street art and follow you on social media. I've even bought some of your cards... so nice to get a glimpse of the man and what brought you to do what you do. You bring magic and joy to everyone who sees your work. Thank you

[@tangoz811]

Probably the best tedtalk I have heard in a very long time

[@jamesthomas1244]

Indeed. There is some deep and meaningful Zen going on here. The Zen of Zinn.

[@Wildweib]

@@jamesthomas1244 Brillant comment, and so true. I'm a loving adept of Zinn Zen too.

[@miayoga1714]

What an absolutely loveable, down to earth, wise human being! Thanks for this brilliant TED talk. I'm now officially a proud member of the pareidolia tribe.

[@tvkwinn]

David Zinn, I loved your doodles in High School and have followed your sidewalk art. This capital A Art is worth a drive to Ann Arbor. Wonderful to see your witty humor has stayed with you as well!.

[@suriita]

Very inspiring. David, according to me, you are The Capital A Artist. Keep on bringing joy to one and all.

[@Piscesgyal26]

What an interesting and inspiring TED Talk! I've seen David Zinn's chalk art but I never knew his story behind it. Keep on creating it's just great! 😁

[@Emy53]

This artist is amazing. I love his street art. His art is better than any others I have seen. He's a natural.

[@scottrousseau496]

I teared up for sure at the end. Such a great talk... in that nothing was forced. All was observed. Thank you.

[@forgetmenotnotes3337]

Amazing that something so simple can bring about so much joy. I’m grateful for his talents and hope to see find one of his chalk drawings one day.

[@jamesthomas1244]

Zinn is a zen master. You can feel it from the cadence of his voice and in the wisdom of his story and words. The zen of zinn. There's a book there.

[@angelbear444]

We adore David! His work brings us so much joy when we are around town. He's the nicest guy too. We have talked to him several times and own his two books. A great artist and human!

[@catswirejewelry]

I love every second of this and was sad when it ended. Your art never fails to make me smile, even squee with happiness, and I can't say how much that means to me, especially in a time like now. To me, that is A art. Thank you.

[@vilod]

Yes. This was an amazing Ted talk. I seen the end picture before knowing the source and upon watching the slow reveal of it, I began to weep. Being filled with the joy of my discovery, I have been forever changed by its conclusion.

[@brendaklauer9969]

One of the best TED talks!

[@kwilsonnc]

What a profound talk, what a gift.

[@michaelperrotta2333]

So Amazing!!!!! Truly one of the best Ted talks!

[@antitroll6146]

I just happened to stumble upon one of his videos, and now I AM OBSESSED! What an incredibly amazing artist (yes, small a 😉).

[@moadonhasafot3838]

An incredible TEDTalk!! One of the best!!

[@131dyana]

I agree art is every where in my head. I see things around me that others do not see, but you do see it. thank you.

[@vsoraya]

David…you are a genius. Enjoyable presentation, would like to listen a little more, thank you!

[@crimsonffire]

I love street art, some very clever and talented people out there, really enjoyed this guy's sense of humour and insight really good tedtalk

[@daniesza]

So eloquent. And talented story teller and artist

[@iminco9844]

What a fabulous talk!

[@jeanninewaken7147]

Great talk, great voice, great inspiration and great sense of humor.

[@leohoh1001]

I met him during the Chalk-a-lot fest in Two Harbors, MN a few years ago, but never got to hear his story. This is an inspiring fun story! Thanks David!

[@Vro-]

I'm always curious to know and learn about people. I found this mans capitol "A' art on instagram and discovered more about the man behind the chalk. This along with his keen perspectives on what I now know about pareidolia all makes sense, thank you for a fantastic Ted talk!

[@mohammedfaqih499]

What he says at the end is something i live by. Great great talk

[@myfamilymatters]

Loved this explanation of your process for acquiring the understanding of how to be brave enough to be creative and let others celebrate and share the joy that you get from your talent. Very inspiring.

[@h.m.3-L]

This man is a Treasure. Thank you big A!

[@OllyJefferyMusic]

Hey David. This was a really engaging and very well thought out presentation. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. You are so inspiring and incredibly good at taking those opportunities with the creative potential of the sidewalk... and singing in the rain!!

[@CMDR_Elizium51RA]

Loved listening to this! Fun hearing the stories as I went to high school with David and he was a good friend. He's an incredibly interesting, funny and talented human.

[@tangoann]

How lucky you were to have been friends while growing up!

[@betweenthepoles]

Love your art and how it integrates so seamlessly with the environment! Oh, and your critters are just darn adorable. 🙂

[@shoshannafachima1306]

Bravo.excellent talk and the elements of creativity so extraordinary.

[@bradholmes1832]

Brilliant!! Thank you kindly, David - Great Messages, all the Way Through! Brad Holmes Tai Chi Gold Coast.

[@kathyrae5574]

Wow, that’s really great! I found your chalk drawings on Instagram, and they just drew me in… and I loved the mini stories underneath each drawing… But I was very surprised to hear how articulate you were! Excellent talk!

[@jbdmed]

loved this talk ! I remember walking down Washington St many times to see the earless Mickey and wondering who may have done that

[@LakeyProductions]

Such a great story teller, such a great explanation of what you do! Super inspired as a fellow sidewalk chalk artist

[@azfreeaz2665]

wonderful, lovely and inspiring. Thank you thank you thank you!

[@carinado1636]

Your art is great! And this talk is great as well!

[@lindsayb4527]

Absolutely inspired-just like your art!! You are a capital A Artist!!! 🤩

[@sincerelyviolet1694]

thanks for your inspiring talk. Whether it's an opportunity or obstacle, it all depends on how you see it.

[@LenoraJ]

Fabulous and so very inspiring!! 😍

[@vandanunes]

Beautiful. Thank you for inspiring us all.

[@cklinv]

Best story ever!

[@bethschneider5223]

Amazing

[@jenford7078]

What a lovely man he is.

[@JCs-Music]

art has brought him full circle

[@griffithsOZ]

Great talk

[@mjpete27]

Hullo David, thanks for the talk! I have seen some amazing street artworks. You sir are an Artist of this there is no doubt, yep capital A Art! I am going to look for your books as This is the first I have heard you had 1 or even 2! See ya in the funny papers or on the street!

[@LC-pk4zz]

Love this!

[@sktrudeau]

Inspiring!

[@Dallas-Nyberg]

Awesome presentation... I love his artwork.

[@catherinecervas3726]

Wonderful talk and artwork, Thank you. Saw this via James Gurney blog.

[@Tangobutton]

Years ago, our friend, dancer Whitley Setrakian, other half Steve Stanchfield (Ann Arbor native) and I were going to touch up the Mickey on Washington Street. That was around 1989. Steve says that it was painted in the 70s and that there were several around town. Just one of those Ann Arbor things! I will post my photo of it on Instagram and tag you.

[@anndj1118]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@lindaokane6986]

Wonderful

[@aileenmv5774]

best tt ever

[@dc70]

wow what a guy !

[@nelsonx5326]

I listen better while doodling. I wonder if there is a right side left/side of brain thing going on, where doodling occupies a portion of the brain that is hyperactive and distracting when careful listening is needed. I believe I might be a bit of a hype; I always need to be doing something with my hands. Even when watching a movie on TV with my sweetheart I would practice guitar quietly. Anyways, in 8th grade in 1968, a math teacher got mad at me for doodling, and I had to go to his classroom after school and do a 50 drawings on the chalkboard for punishment. I wasn't allowed to doodle and failed the class. I had to take the class again, with a different teacher who didn't notice or didn't care that I doodled, and I passed the class. I grew up to be an artist. I'm very good with mechanical geometric drawing in perspective. Geometry is a form of math.

[@pamelamohn5931]

He should check out The Wall Dogs. They go into towns, with approval and paint murals on the blank walls.

[@sliceofheaven3026]

The funny thing is that David could probably earn quite a lot by just selling these street paintings to the wealthier clientele. He just seems to not choose to capitalise on his street drawings which tells a lot about him as a human being and as an artist.

[@Austin8thGenTexan]

Doodling all the time - especially when you were a child - is a trait you have in common with Karl Lagerfeld.

[@erikariosvalle1743]

Subtítulos por favor

[@lpaltageek]

I am 83, and wishing this video would be a requirement for children to sign off on in order to go past kindergarten and every grade thereafter.

[@RedStallion2000]

David Zinn's voice sounds a lot like Seth McFarlane :)

[@gln9068]

"A non E Mouse' = a non eared mouse? 😆

[@mohammedfaqih499]

More views??

[@sparklylittlechicken]

Are you married? 😍

[@minggnim]

...and he's not talking about art.