David Gilbert
Sculpture, Painting, Printmaking
About David
David is a sculptor, painter, printmaker and ceramicist. He has always been fascinated by form and colour, a twin focus which manifests itself across the range of his art. He often takes inspiration from open swimming in ponds and the sea, as well as from experiences gained while travelling and working around the world. Born and bred in London, he has and lived and worked in East Africa and Central America, as well as in Scotland.
My Work
Ceramics
My artistic development began with ceramics. I developed my skills in throwing a wide variety of pots on the wheel, selecting and experimenting with glazes.
Sculpture
My sculptural work is figurative and centres on the human form. It is expressive with movement and emotional energy. The materials I use are mainly stone – from the UK and Zimbabwe – and wood, including green oak. I also work in plastic materials: clay, wax and plaster.
Painting
My paintings have a lucid, loose quality, with a translucent depth of colour. I often make my own watercolour paints, from basic pigments such as lapis lazuli and carmine. I sometimes incorporate Japanese ink and cuttlefish ink, as well as colour derived from finely-ground metals such as silver and gold. Currently I am developing my skills in painting with egg tempera from basic pigments.
Printmaking
This is a recent passion! My current work is mostly intaglio: drypoint, acid etching, aquatint, and mezzotint with focus on colour monoprinting. I also work in relief (wood and lino) and monotype, and sometimes make Japanese-style woodcut prints using my own watercolour-based inks on Japanese paper.
Garden
I have created a large exotic garden in London, which is underpinned by strong sculptural elements. Initially designed and sketched in watercolours, it features sinuous stone structures and many dramatic architectural plants, in an homage to the paradise gardens of the East.
Residencies
I have had artists residencies at:
- Stephens House and Gardens London, creating sculpture in wood reclaimed from trees from the beautiful gardens. photo blog, instagram, video. (May-October 2017). The large wooden sculpture 'Loving Grace' is permanently in the gardens, near the cafe.
- Brisons Veor, Cape Cornwall. web page. (July 2016).
Commissions taken!
Exhibitions
- July 2007: Glasgow School of Art, end of year part-time: pottery.
- July 2014 & July 2015: East Finchley Open House, London.
- July 2015: Exhibiting in David Waller’s Studio Group (Ellington Place, London)
- September 2015: Rhythm ‘n Blues (East Finchley Open) – Original Gallery, Hornsey Library, London.
- December 2016: Breaking Boundaries (East Finchley Open) – Original Gallery, Hornsey Library, London.
- March 2017, Regeneration with East Finchley Open at Stephens House, London
- July 2016, East Finchley Artists Open House
- July 2018, East Finchley Artists Open House
- March 2019, Primavera at the Barbican (East Finchley Open)
- June 2019, East Finchley Artists Open House
- February 2021: East Finchley Artists: A favourite page from my sketchbook [online]
- May 2021, East Finchley Artists Where We Were Longing To Be During Lockdown, on-line
- September 2021: East Finchley Artists Open House, London
- November 2021: The Northern Line Exhibition, East Finchley Open Artists at the The Gallery, Highgate Literary & Scientific Institution, London.
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