In addition to running his own business, David LeBatard has been a diplomatic representative to South Africa, Mozambique and Swaziland through Rotary Club International.

David LeBatard

1990, Art

Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory School

Q: What did winning the Silver Knight do for you?

A: That was really the first acknowledgement that I could do this at a serious level. It was a big deal because my brother, Dan, got an honorable mention. My high school didn't feel like I was a worthwhile candidate and they wouldn't give me a copy of the application. My mother was the one who insisted on it, and I ended up winning. It was doubly rewarding because my school told me I wouldn't win it, and they were the first ones to acknowledge it when I did.

Q: What did it teach you?

A: It showed me that power structure should be questioned at all times, because if you go around believing what other people think about you, it could undermine what your full potential is. On the other hand, if someone believes in you, it could show you what you're capable of.

Q: Tell us about your life now.

A: I run my own fine arts studio, and I also do a lot of gallery work and exhibitions. And I do art direction for [the music festival] Langerado. I also do branding for companies like Bacardi, Macy's and more. Right now I'm working on a line of girls' apparel; I design shirts, accessories and different pieces.

Q: Where do you find your inspiration?

A: I'm always researching different parts of history and taking ideas I feel that have lots of possibilities and learning as much as I can from it. What I'm studying right now are ''netsukes,'' which were ornamental fasteners that were used in Japan on their sashes.

Q: What are the Silver Knight interviews like?

A: I went to a private school that was a bit underfunded. So, when I went to the interviews, there were kids with these giant art portfolios, but I didn't bring any examples of my work with me. All I had were notebooks. When the judges asked about my work, I said I didn't bring them because nobody told me what I needed to do.

Now, I've seen what the process is like from both ends because I've judged it three or four times.

Q: How is it from the other side?

A: You see these kids that come in, these Advanced Placement kids, and they're programmed. That's really nice, but if I see a kid that doesn't have an art program and still draws at home everyday and is serious about what he's doing, I'd probably seriously consider that kid over the others. I have.

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