Behind the Pages: David Porter

Born in the high desert, David was raised in the outdoors, fishing, hunting and hiking. He probably played over 5,000 games of Wiffle Ball in his Elko, Nevada, neighborhood. Educated in Nevada, France, Texas and Utah, David moved about while in his 20s, even making pizza at Fat Freddy's in Dublin, Ireland. He earned degrees in English and Comparative Literature, learned French and Spanish, and how to cook pretty well during that formative decade. In 2001 he moved with his wife, Amy, to Jackson Hole to be a co-founder of Journeys School of Teton Science Schools where he was a teacher and administrator for over 20 years. David has found so many inspiring forces in Jackson: the interesting and brilliant people, the landscape and wildlife, the young people he still teaches at Jackson Hole High School. He raised two children in Jackson, Sophie, on track to be a clinical psychologist and Augustine, an artist.

In the last edition of JHStyle Magazine, David explored the creative spark that drives arist Ben Roth and the wide-ranging adventures of climber and photographer David Bowers. In the upcoming edition, he peeks behind the lens with celebrated photographer and teacher Jon Stuart. 

We caught up with him to find out what he loves most about winter in Jackson Hole, what inspires him creatively and more. 

What was your favorite part of contributing to the 25/26 Winter Edition of JHStyle?

I enjoyed getting to better know Jon Stuart, whom I had met only once or twice before. He is a true artist and gentleman, generous of spirit.

During cold months, what's your go-to beverage to warm up?

Coffee — cold months, hot days, doesn't matter. Coffee.

What's the perfect wintertime meal?

Elk stew.

What's your favorite part of winter? And what's just the worst?

Favorite: alpine skiing powder or touring on my class XC skis in the park. Worst: icy parking lots.

When it's time to turn on some music and get to writing, what's on your playlist?

Phew, that's tough. I listen to a lot of different music. If the deadline is tight, Led Zeppelin. If I have time, Herbie Hancock.

Chilly temps, wind, snow... what wintertime wardrobe items would you perish without?

Wool.

Describe your ideal winter day.

Wake at 7:00, coffee and a high protein breakfast, watch the sun rise over the Gros Ventre, ski fresh powder, finish with a hot shower and bourbon whiskey neat.

Where's your favorite spot to write? Why?

Pretty comfortable anywhere, but I tend to get after it at the dining room table.

If you could enjoy a fireside chat with one writer — dead or alive — who would it be and why?

Maybe Faulkner, but I bet he'd be a prick. And drunk. Gonna go with Haruki Murakami. Or Jeannette Winterson.

If someone is looking for a great book to add to their winter reading list, what would you recommend?

Lately I've been recommending "In the Distance" by Hernan Diaz and "Lost Children Archive" by Valeria Luiselli.