De'Mital

The Story of De'Mital: David Smith's Journey of Vision and Collaboration

De'Mital, the artistic pseudonym of David Smith, represents a legacy of innovation in digital art on metal. Known for his trailblazing ideas and keen ability to recognize artistic potential, Smith has shaped the contemporary art world over the course of his 25-year career. Initially crafting stunning metal art pieces under the name D'Metal—a term coined by his then-assistant Doug Hash as a playful nod to “Dave Metal”—Smith’s early ventures into the medium revolutionized how art was created and displayed.

The Genesis of Metal Art

The story of D'Metal began with Smith’s fascination with the interplay of light and texture on metal surfaces. While visiting Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona, Smith encountered a brushed metal desk that captured his imagination. “The way the simple act of scoring the metal gave it depth fascinated me,” he recalls. “I thought to myself, what if you could paint the human form in the same method, with the grinds flowing in the same directions as the composition?”

Determined to bring this vision to life, Smith began searching for an artist who could translate his concept into reality. He discovered A.D. Cook, an airbrush artist known for his mastery of figurative works, and invited him to collaborate on experimenting with painting on metal. Together, working from Smith’s home, they began exploring the possibilities of combining grinded metal surfaces with airbrushed figurative art.

Experimenting with Printing on Metal

As their experiments progressed, Smith realized the potential for merging technology with traditional artistry. He approached his business associate John Doe, a pioneer in the giclée printing process, and shared his vision for printing images directly onto metal. Doe identified a UV-curable flatbed printer as a potential solution, and the two began producing innovative artworks that married photography, digital design, and metal as a medium.

Although the collaboration with A.D. Cook did not continue, Smith’s passion for the medium only grew. He began experimenting with photography and Photoshop to create his own designs on metal, combining his technical expertise with his artistic vision. These early creations captivated collectors and laid the foundation for Smith’s reputation as a pioneer in digital art on metal. Soon he decided to move to Maui and sell his works out of his own gallery.

The Evolution of D'Metal

The success of D'Metal cemented Smith’s place in the art world, but his ambitions extended beyond his own work. Never a one to let his ego guide him, Smith recognizing the potential of the medium, he began showing other artists that were working on Metal and exploring new ways to elevate their creations. Two of these artists were Noah and his now partner Chris DeRubeis. Chris works were mostly Figurative against abstracted background and Framed. This collaborative spirit eventually led him and Chris DeRubeis to begin working closley together, whose career Smith would help transform by encouraging a shift from figurative art to bold abstract designs. Dave eventually called Chris to tell him that he wanted to change the name of the gallery to a DeRubeis Fine Art of Metal, and from that moment on D'Metal whos works kept selling in the gallery, was slowly phased out as Dave shifted focus to Chris DeRubeis

Mentoring Chris DeRubeis and the Birth of Abstract Metal Art

It was during this time that Smith began working closely with Chris DeRubeis, who had recently returned from a trip to Italy. At the time, DeRubeis was primarily creating figurative pieces and large wine-themed artworks. Recognizing DeRubeis' immense potential, Smith encouraged him to explore abstract compositions, a direction that would eventually redefine the artist’s career.

Under Smith's guidance, DeRubeis transitioned from framed works to bold, unframed abstract designs, mirroring the presentation style of D'Metal. Their collaboration extended beyond artistic advice—DeRubeis called Smith daily to discuss sales and seek guidance, and Smith’s input proved invaluable in shaping the trajectory of DeRubeis’ art.

In a bold move that showcased Smith’s dedication to supporting talent, he decided to rename the Avalon Gallery after DeRubeis, believing that the young artist's burgeoning talent deserved to be the gallery’s focus. The newly christened DeRubeis Fine Art of Metal Galleries became a global phenomenon, with Smith playing a pivotal role in designing many of the iconic multi-panel designs that Chris's abstract are painted on are still celebrated today, such as Creation, Milan, and other timeless works.

The End of D'Metal but the Rise of Collaboration

As Smith devoted himself to promoting DeRubeis’ art worldwide, the remaining D'Metal pieces quickly sold out, marking the end of the D'Metal brand. However, Smith's creativity never waned—he shifted his focus to designing and innovating for the artists he represented, including legends like Christian Lassen, Michael Godard, Patrick Guyton, Matt Beyrer, and Michael Romero Duran.

Through his mentorship and design expertise, Smith elevated these artists to international acclaim. His unique ability to blend traditional artistry with cutting-edge digital techniques not only launched careers but also expanded the global appreciation for metal art as a genre.

The De'Mital Artistry: A New Era of Accessibility

In 2025, David Smith, under the name De'Mital, launched a groundbreaking décor line designed to make extraordinary art accessible to a wider audience. This new collection of digital art on metal offers striking imagery at an affordable price, allowing art enthusiasts to bring incredible designs into their homes without exceeding their budgets. The collection reflects Smith’s continued dedication to pushing the boundaries of art while staying true to his mission of making beauty available to all.

A Legacy of Innovation and Selflessness

David Smith's journey as De'Mital is a story of innovation, collaboration, and selflessness. From creating his own iconic D'Metal works to mentoring and propelling the careers of countless artists, Smith’s impact on the art world is profound and enduring. His legacy is not only found in the galleries he helped shape or the works he designed but also in the inspiration he continues to provide to a new generation of artists and collectors.

De'Mital's story is one of vision, humility, and an unwavering commitment to the transformative power of art. Through his leadership and creativity, David Smith has left an indelible mark on the world of contemporary metal art and beyond.