Born in Adelaide, South Australia David’s first contact with the art world was at a very young age through his family. His mother was a watercolourist specializing in still life and landscape
David was encouraged at high school in his art endeavors where he excelled in classes with art teacher Rhonda Thiele. After completing his H.S.C. he completed Cartographic Studies in Adelaide he then worked as a Cartographer for a number of years. Studying at North Adelaide School of Arts and Adelaide Central School of Arts helped him develop artistically He also studied with well known watercolourist Brian Dobson in SA. In 2000 David moved to Sydney where he worked in the Data industry for 15 years .
David’s initial art interest was in the traditional watercolour genre and then exploring the use of watercolour in a contemporary style which he continues to develop today. A love for sculpture in particular mini sculpture has become significant in David’s art journey and a signature style has developed.
Winning 1st Prize, gaining a Highly Commended Prize and receiving the Award of Excellence Medal for the “Best overall Sculpture” at the 2015 Sydney Royal Arts Show for his miniature works being a highlight
Inspiration has been drawn from various experiences including Gallery Exhibitions, talking and sharing ideas with other artists and nature.
Artist’s Statement:
Contemporary Art
As a painter of abstract art works i use watercolor and also acrylic as my mediums on paper and canvas in an impasto style . With the use of colour, texture and glaze i create a unique 3D effect .
I describe my works are uplifting but contemplative.
Sculpture
I am an artist who creates mini sculpture works using made and found objects and small figurines. Transforming the collected and assembled objects using extremes of scale to tell their own intimate story and to intrigue and delight the viewer with a comic quirkiness in a slightly surreal way …
expect the unexpected .
Exhibitions & Showings
2024
Gannon House Art Gallery The Rocks Sydney
2022
1st Prize Best Miniature Sculpture at The Royal Sydney Art Show
2019
3rd Prize Miniature Sculpture Category Sydney Art Show
Brighton Jetty Classic Sculptures Brighton Beach South Australia
2018
1st Prize Best Small Sculpture Work Melbourne Show
Highly Commended Adelaide Show Art Competition
Brighton Jetty Classic Sculptures Brighton Beach South Australia
2017
SALA Exhibition GU Film House Glenelg South Australia
Highly Commended Sydney Art Show Mini Sculpture
“Eclectic” Group Art Show at Artshine Gallery Chippendale Sydney
Brighton Jetty Classic Sculptures Brighton Beach South Australia
2016
– Urban Cow Studio Adelaide South Australia
-Gannon House Art Gallery The Rocks Sydney
-Finalist in The Hunters Hill Art Show Sydney
– 3rd Prize Sydney Art Show Miniature Sculpture Category
2015
-“The Collection” Small Artworks Group Exhibition at Artshine Gallery Chippendale Sydney
– 1st Prize and The Award of Excellence Medal: “Best Sculpture”, Sydney Art Show
– Highly Commended Prize Award Sculpture Sydney Art Show
– 1st Prize: “Art Competition”, Adelaide Art Show.
2014
– 1st Prize: “Art Competition”, Adelaide Art Show
– 2nd Prize: “Art Competition”, Melbourne Show Miniature
– Brunswick S G “Small Works Art Prize” Fitzroy Melbourne
– Urban Cow Studio Adelaide
2013
– Gallery Eight The Rocks Sydney “Colour and Candy”
2011
– Gallery Eight The Rocks, Sydney “Fabrication”
www.strobed.com.au/2011/04/fabrication-galleryeight/
2002
– Berry Art Gallery, Berry, NSW
2001
– Libby Edwards Galleries Woollahra Sydney – Norton Gallery McMahons Point Sydney
2000
– Norton Gallery McMahons Point Sydney – Aptoz Cruz Gallery Stirling Adelaide
1999
– Contemporary Art Society of Victoria National Touring Exhibition – Unley About Art Unley Adelaide
1998
– Bethany Art Gallery Barossa Valley South Australia – Urban Cow Studio Adelaide
1997
– Barossa Art Show Barossa Valley South Australia – Greenhill Galleries North Adelaide
Commissions
2013
– Private Residences Sydney CBD, Avalon NSW
2011
– Private Residence Mosman Sydney, NSW – BBR Design Sydney, NSW
Collections
– Strategy Illustrated Bowral NSW ,James Irivine Barossa Valley, SA
Awards
2015 1st Prize & Award of Excellence Medal Best Sculpture at The Royal Sydney Show
2014 The Trixie Pettman-South Award for the Best Overall Exhibit at the Art and Craft section Royal Adelaide Show
Affiliations
– The Sculptors Society www.sculptorssociety.com Sydney Australia -ISC (International Sculpture Centre) Washington DC USA Supporter and award donor of The Helpmann Academy
Recognizing outstanding South Australian emerging artists at the Annual Graduate Exhibition Awards night “The David Hayden Professional Development Award” www.helpmannacademy.com.au
