David Sánchez Santillán (Quito, 1981) is an Ecuadorian poet, lawyer, and Doctor of Jurisprudence. He has made notable contributions to Ecuadorian poetry, winning several awards, including the Gonzalo Escudero National Poetry Prize. He has published multiple poetry collections and participated in various national and international literary events. Alongside his literary career, Sánchez Santillán has a background in law, with a specialization in Environmental Law and Community Development, which complements his literary work and reflects his diverse professional interests.
Early Life and Education
David Sánchez Santillán was born in Quito in 1981 to a family with a strong literary background, as his mother, Elsy Santillán Flor, is an accomplished Ecuadorian writer and poet. His passion for literature emerged at an early age, and in 1996, he joined the literary workshop “Nueva Generación” in Quito, where he began to hone his poetic voice. Sánchez Santillán later pursued law, earning his degree as a lawyer and Doctor of Jurisprudence, with a specialization in Environmental Law and Community Development, adding depth to his legal career while maintaining a strong connection to the literary world.
Literary Career
Sánchez Santillán has been a regular participant in literary events from the early stages of his career. In 1998, he won his first major recognition, the First Prize in the Poetic Days “Arte, música et sapientia,” organized by San Gabriel Jesuit School in Quito. In 2004, he achieved national acclaim by winning the Gonzalo Escudero National Poetry Prize, awarded by the Ecuadorian Society of Writers (S.E.D.E.), solidifying his standing in Ecuador’s literary scene.
His works have appeared in numerous anthologies, and he has participated in significant poetry events, both nationally and internationally. Notable among these are his involvement in the “Poetry in Parallel 0” International Event in 2011 and the “Poetas 2014” event, organized by the Prefecture of Loja and the Benjamin Carrión Cultural Center.
Publications
David Sánchez Santillán’s poetry is known for its depth and exploration of existential themes. His published works include:
- El Origen de los Rostros (2010)
- Sempiternal (2015)
- Dans Le Noir (E-book, 2016)
- El Revés en el Espejo (2017), co-authored with Cuban-American poet Manuel Adrián López
- Diversivas (2018), published by Editorial El Conejo
- Líneas en Blanco (2019)
In addition to his individual publications, Sánchez Santillán’s poetry has been included in several national and international anthologies, and he has participated in literary events across various venues, including cafés, theaters, and universities.
Recognition and Accolades
Sánchez Santillán has garnered multiple awards throughout his career, including the Gonzalo Escudero National Poetry Prize and the First Prize at the San Gabriel Jesuit School’s Poetic Days competition in 1998. His work continues to be recognized for its contribution to Ecuadorian literature.