Artist in Residence, David Starley presents his most recent oils with some trees and various views of pleaces close to home – and heart. Additionally the show will include a selection of rather beautiful wood panels from Baildon based Gavin Edwards

David Starley

Biography

David Starley first studied art at Sydney University whilst working in a steel foundry, but then chose to follow a career in archaeology, before becoming a professional artist. He is a member of the Aire Valley Arts Group. David’s subjects explore the natural landscape of Yorkshire and beyond, with trees as the central focus of much of his work. Whilst trees are familiar objects in our environment, they are too easily passed without attention. By portraying the forms and character of individual trees, or groups in woodland, the viewer is led to a greater appreciation of these living structures – changeless yet changing, strong yet vulnerable, never to be taken for granted.

Oil paint is very thickly applied (impastp) with a painting knife to produce a three-dimensional, almost sculpted, image. This not only adds great depth but produces a surface that responds subtly to the changing light of the environment in which the work is displayed. David has exhibited widely in Yorkshire and beyond, as a solo artist and as a member of the Aire Valley Arts Group, artistic influences include the Canadian, Tom Thomson; Australian, Arthur Streeton, and Corot and his fellow painters of the French Barbizon School. David’s style, however, remains unique and his greatest inspiration comes from nature itself.

For more of David’s work click HERE

Gavin Edwards

Biography

Having previously worked as a Cartographer, Field Archaeologist, Archaeological Curator and finally as Museum Collections Manager, working with wood is Gavin’s latest career choice. An unconventional background perhaps but, having always enjoyed working with wood, he took the opportunity to explore where his love of wood might take him.

“There is an intrinsic beauty in the fine detailing of the internal structures that are created as the tree grows, with many variations in grain quality and colour. It is this finer detail that really attracts my attention and which I hope to enhance through the way I prepare the surfaces, and by using very simple forms”

Gavin uses a wide range of native and non-native woods, birch plywood and reclaimed wood. In most cases the design element of his work is intended to showcase the character and quality of the wood itself. It is sometimes an unusual feature in the wood that provides the inspiration for the design.

Surfaces are hand sanded to a very fine level, then finished off with wood wax, rather than varnish, to allow items to develop their own character over time. Stains or paint, are used only on baseboards and designs. He believes it is the quality and appearance of the wood is that matters most.