About Ugly Stuff
Ugly Stuff, once known as DWCSTUFF, is more than just a collection of handmade items Mugs and planters —it’s an extension of how I see the world. My journey as a creator is deeply influenced by my experiences with ADHD and dysgraphia. These aspects of my life have played a huge part in shaping my artistic style, from the way I approach design to the final details of each piece.
With ADHD, my creative process is far from linear. Ideas come in bursts, and my attention shifts frequently, leading to creations that are full of personality and quirks. Dysgraphia affects how I handle fine details, and as a result, my work is often just a bit “off”—slightly uneven, rarely symmetrical, and wonderfully imperfect. Instead of fighting these characteristics, I’ve embraced them. They give my art a unique voice, and they allow me to create pieces that challenge the traditional sense of balance and perfection.
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.
Thank you for supporting my work and being part of this journey. I hope you find joy in the imperfections as much as I do.
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.
About the artist
David Cooney is a multi-talented artist, digital marketer, and creator based in Ottawa. Known for his unique, handcrafted ceramic “ugly mugs” and intricate wood art pieces, David brings a distinctly offbeat style to everything he creates—a style influenced by his experiences with ADHD, dysgraphia, and autism. 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 gift for the judges.
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 and 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 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.