ABOUT THE ARTIST
David Wilson, a Canadian artist who calls Vancouver home, has honed his artistic craft through a blend of self-directed pursuits and occasional studies at Emily Carr University. His creative journey is deeply influenced by the expansive and expressive styles of painters like Cy Twombly, Anselm Kiefer, Edward Hopper, and Cecily Brown. Rooted in the often rain-soaked Pacific Northwest, Wilson's artistic body of work explores the concept of time through his evocative depictions of urban landscapes drenched in rain, as well as his monochromatic interpretations of people, places, and objects.
With a career spanning over 25 years, Wilson has actively participated in more than 25 solo exhibitions, alongside numerous group showcases and philanthropic presentations of his art. His well of creativity is consistently replenished by his adventurous journeys to various locales, particularly urban centres, where he eagerly seeks out fresh encounters and sources of inspiration.
Wilson's artistic signature is marked by bold, sweeping brushstrokes that pulse with vitality, creating a tangible sense of movement and energy on his canvases. Often working on a grand scale, he invites viewers to fully immerse themselves in his vividly coloured compositions. In his monochromatic works, Wilson skillfully employs subtle variations in tone and texture to evoke depth and nuance. Through his art, he adeptly captures fleeting moments of beauty and emotion in the world, encouraging viewers to pause and reflect on the relentless passage of time and the profound impact of memory.
Navigating the urban landscape and portraying ordinary yet emotionally charged objects and scenes, Wilson serves as a poignant reminder of art's enduring ability to unveil the multifaceted beauty and complexity of our lived world.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Many Canadian artists find their inspiration in the breathtaking natural landscapes that define our country. Just as a model struts down a fashion runway, Canada's vast beauty captivates those who appreciate it. However, my artistic journey takes a different path. I call an urban centre my home, much like the majority of Canadians. Within these bustling streets, I discover a wealth of culture, diversity, opportunity, and affluence—qualities not easily found elsewhere. Within this urban tapestry, my artistic preferences come to life, where the passage of time and the echoes of memory subtly shape my work.
I can't help but think back to 1982, a year that lingers vividly in my memory. It immersed me in the neo-noir world of "Blade Runner," a film that envisioned 2019 with a gritty, rain-soaked aesthetic. The story of Harrison Ford's character, Rick Deckard, was profoundly influenced by the film's atmosphere. The amalgamation of ambient sounds, reflections, and vibrant colours drew the viewer into the unfolding narrative. That was the artistry I aspired to—a desire to paint in such an evocative manner.
In my creative process, collecting photographic references plays a significant role in my studio. While I primarily focus on portraying Vancouver, BC, the city I call home, I also explore other metropolises like Los Angeles, Paris, and notably, New York. Each city offers a unique array of scenes where the interplay of time and space gradually evolves with each passing day. Occasionally, much like life itself, the world undergoes profound shifts. As I engage in painting, these subjects become metaphors, marking the temporal changes in our lives.
Across my canvases, you'll find an interplay of texts, symbols, and marks, each signifying my personal memories and concepts. By incorporating my own lived experiences into the artwork, I hope to invite viewers to savour their unique encounter with the image before them.
Photo credits: Shirley Williams
Representation
Vancouver Art Gallery Art Rental & Sales, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Steffich Fine Art, Saltspring Island, BC, Canada
Gibson Fine Art, Calgary, AB, Canada
Elevation Gallery, Canmore, AB, Canada
James Baird Gallery, Pouch Cove, NL, Canada and Miami, Fl, USA
Signet Contemporary Art, Chelsea, London, UK