For the very first time, Under the Surface brings together 70 of David West's most important works from both private and public collections. Spanning 60 years, it reflects the different strands of his development as a painter, sculptor and craftsman, deftly illustrating the progression and interaction between his use of paint and wood, in what is a landmark exhibition for this Dorset artist.
Born in 1939, David West went to Sutton and Cheam School of Art (1956 – 1958) and Camberwell School of Art (1958 – 1960) where he studied painting and printmaking. However, West found the emphasis on accuracy which was a feature of his student days too restrictive, and on leaving Camberwell he began to explore his love of decoration and strong pattern.
In the 1960s his work took an unexpected direction as he began to explore flexible ways to construct paintings within a three dimensional framework, which led naturally on to painting on wood. Initially, wood was a substitute for canvas, but he soon became interested in its possibilities, and gradually there was more constructing and carving and less painting.
His carved wooden models are full of acute observation and humour, and reflect the strong interest West has in architecture, and the self-contained world within buildings. His dolls houses were inspired by watching his daughter's imaginative play, and the idea that within the basic structure of a house is a place where imagination can be released.
Some pieces portray actual houses, such as Parnham House and Forde Abbey, others are pure inventions. Later models include a shop and theatre, and Dorset County Museum is lucky enough to have The Spode Set, a miniature theatre carved in wood based on the 'Spode Italian' ceramic design. West's woodcut prints became a natural extension of his carving.
West's move from London to Lyme Regis in 1981 inspired in him a love of the Dorset landscape and coast, and a fascination with the ebb and flow of tides and water. This influence can be clearly seen in his work as he began to carve sculptures based on walks along the beach at Lyme Regis. He has taken an active part in life in Lyme Regis, and in the 1990s had a significant role in the restoration of the Town Mill, where there is a room named after him.
In fact, it was the commission to carve and gild a set of organ pipe shades for St Michael's Church in Lyme Regis which led to using gold leaf to develop the 200 drawings inspired by his trip to Japan in 2008. Variations of footpaths, waterfalls, fishponds and mountain streams are among the many gilded carvings and woodcut prints in the exhibition. These were followed by works related to the Dorset landscape and coast, a series of gilded carvings, 'Night Waves' and 'Moon', combining influences from both Japan and Dorset.
Dorset County Museum is pleased to be welcoming David West back following a successful exhibition at the Museum almost 30 years ago.
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