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Local artist David Myers is making waves in the art world with his powerful, unique and exciting paintings that are unlike anything seen before.
I have always been passionate about great design, in whatever form it is manifested,” says David. “Whether it be the perfect shape of an orchid, the classic lines of Scandinavian furniture or the ingenious London underground map, this love of design has inspired my painting.”
“Having no art background or training, I don’t know the rules. This makes it easy to break them. I find this challenging and exciting,” he explains. Indeed, David was working in the corporate world, when “A client, completely out of the blue, asked me whether I painted,” he says. The client continued to insist that David must paint, and eventually he decided to give it a try. The rest is history, and at the beginning of 2011 David decided to retire from the corporate world and paint full time.
His first solo exhibition took place at the prestigious Gallery 88 in Paarl. In this context, Judaism has influenced David’s life and work as an artist. “I think the influence has been indirect,” he says. “The fact that I don’t consciously use external stimuli for inspiration means that every painting is to a large extent an extension of myself. As such, all my experiences in life, my beliefs and my environment influence my thoughts and ideas and consequently my paintings. I started painting some five years ago as a result of a spiritual experience when I was told by a total stranger that I should become an artist. I have never forgotten this and I believe it has influenced a lot of my work.”
Multi-dimensional materials
David’s methods are equally unconventional and exciting. In his work, he explores the use of colour and various materials. “I often use techniques and materials without knowing whether other artists do the same,” he says. “I seldom use brushes.
I recently completed a series of large pieces using chopsticks and toothpicks as my brushes. “I started experimenting with enamel paint and was excited by the finishes I could get,” he says. “I also began using a variety of mixed-media materials. I try to ensure that the work is essentially a painting with the mixed-media materials being a small added-value element. Materials I have used include Perspex, twine, sheet music and old newspapers.”
Indeed, with his use of texture and three- dimensional materials, David’s pictures are beyond paintings — they are works of creativity that leap off the canvas; making you engage with the image with all your senses. A tree made out of wire extends out of the paint, looking like it is moving in the Cape South Easter; cotton threads seem to wrap the canvas and rusted metal makes the picture a multimedia experience.
David would like to see the art world in South Africa evolve to become more inclusive and broader in meaning and scope. “I would love to see the concept of investment art disappear. It would be utopia if people bought art because they loved it and because it made them feel good,” he says. “The novelty of starting with a blank canvas and producing something that people seem to like, has never worn off.”
To follow David’s art journey from 2007 to date, visit his website www.davidmyersart.co.za.
Private viewings of his collection can be arranged by phoning 082 411 0444. He accepts commissions.
