Ugly Stuff, delightfully odd, questionably beautiful entirely hand-sculpted creations.
But why "ugly" stuff, you ask?
Well, let's just say I wasn't exactly built for the cookie-cutter world. ADHD and dysgraphia and other fun stuff had turned penmanship into a warzone and conformity into a four-letter word. But hey, these quirks are what give my art its unique flair, a glorious celebration of the perfectly imperfect.
So, if you're looking for a gift that's anything but ordinary, something that screams "I saw this and immediately thought of YOU," then you've come to the right place. Because at Ugly Stuff , we believe that the most beautiful things are the ones that make you tilt your head and say, "Wait, what?"
But wait, there's more!
I'm not just a one-trick pony (well, maybe a one-eyed pony, but that's beside the point). When I'm not wrestling lumps of clay into submission, I'm also a musician, app & web developer, SEO specialist, and a bunch of other Stuff, would you like me making this blog site to put my past experience and expertise to work for my Etsy site as well as showing interested people and how they could do this for themselves.
My Creative ProcessI find inspiration in the everyday – a chipped mug, a wonky tree branch, the way light catches a shadow.
Who Are My Creations For?
My work is for anyone who appreciates the quirky, the unique, the downright weird. If you're looking for a gift that's sure to stand out, or if you just want to add a touch of personality to your own collection, Ugly Stuff is the place for you.
Ugly Stuff is a reflection of all of this: art that thrives on imperfections, that celebrates the unconventional, and that brings out the beauty in things that are just a little different. Each item in my shop is a testament to the power of embracing one’s authentic self, quirks and all.
The Story Behind the UglyMugs and other creations
Each original design of my UglyMug is a one-of-a-kind creation, designed to bring a bit of humor and artistry to this unusual Art form of mugs and planters. I try to make my mugs as unique as possible and draw on my influences and just everyday life, but my biggest is probably movie special effects, especially that of Ray Harryhausen we have our ridiculously badly named “Creepy Face Mug”, a handcrafted face on a mug creation that’s bound to make a memorable addition to your coffee cup collection, it’s definitely a conversation piece.
More about this uglyStuff guy
David Cooney is a multi-talented artist & musician, app developer, digital marketer, and creator based in Ottawa. Known for his unique, handcrafted sculptures on mugs and planter as well as wooden frame art work. David brings a distinctly offbeat style to everything he creates—a style influenced by his experiences and struggles ADHD, dyslexia and dysgraphia. His art, characterized by quirky details and slight asymmetries, has caught the attention of audiences both locally and internationally, with one of his pieces even making an appearance on Britain’s Got Talent as a memorable gifts given to the judges by the show’s producers.
Beyond his art, David has a diverse background in digital marketing, web design, and app development. He recently founded VibeLift, a marketing startup focused on SEO and website development for businesses in the Ottawa area. David has also created children’s websites with his late wife Kate, as well developed iOS apps, including the CreateOgram art app and the Emota Tails story app, aimed at engaging young users with creative and interactive content.
A founding member of the Juno award-winning Canadian band The Waltons, David has extensive experience in creative collaboration and songwriting. His journey is marked by resilience and ingenuity, from adapting to challenges in his schooling to thriving as an artist and entrepreneur. Through his blog, David shares insights into his creative process, the impact of neurodivergence on his work, and tips for fellow creators navigating the worlds of art, tech, and business.
Ready to Embrace the Ugly? Browse my shop, sign up for my newsletter, or contact me with any questions. I can't wait to share my creations with you!
