In this episode of The Artist Recovery Podcast, host Rich Wright sits down with David “Letterfly” Knoderer — a circus-bred creative whose life spans drumming under the big top, elite horsemanship, old-school hand-painted artistry, motorcycle culture, addiction recovery, and the rediscovery of purpose through creativity and service.

Letterfly opens up about growing up shy in Springfield, Ohio, shaped by a childhood where his autistic brother was bullied. Creativity became his refuge, leading him into music, drawing, and eventually the circus — the place where he finally felt he belonged.

Highlights:

• A childhood shaped by art and identity
Raised by an opera-singing mother and a draftsman father, young Dave found comfort in sketchbooks, instruments, and the circus as an escape from social pressure.

• The wild moment he joined the circus at 16
He wrote letters to every circus in the country and landed his first gig drumming under a traveling big top in the Appalachian Mountains. His father initially resisted — until he realized Dave was truly built for the road.

• How horses taught him emotional intelligence
Training Liberty horses and performing with dancing horses taught Letterfly relational skills he never learned as a kid. Horses became his bridge to understanding trust, partnership, and connection.

• Recovery, reinvention, and creative rebirth
Through AA meetings, mentorship, and emotional healing, he rebuilt his life. His artistry exploded — first as one of the most recognized RV muralists in America, then as a sought-after pinstriper in the Harley-Davidson world.

• The rise of “Letterfly” as a creative icon
From circus showmanship to gold leaf, hand lettering, and large-scale murals, Letterfly adapted as industries evolved, becoming the resident artist at one of the biggest RV dealerships in the country.

• Writing, storytelling, and living a life of service
Journaling during recovery sparked his writing career — now five published books strong, including Hit the Road and Thrive. 

🔗 Connect With David
Website: https://letterfly.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-letterfly-knoderer-bab1a17
Instagram: @letterflyart
YouTube: @letterflyart

Be a guest through @PodMatch_com

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Always remember, Listen to your Heart and Be Kind to Your Mind! -Rich Wright

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