David Airhart
Most people would never suspect that David starts each of these paintings in abstraction with no preconception. Filling the canvas or board with a patchwork of simple shapes, lines and color and rely on the abstraction to suggest a figure, face, or gesture which holds his interest, he continues to paint in the abstract until such a reveal happens.
Eventually David starts to develop a figure (or figures) which become players in a narrative influenced by current events, of world, national, local or personal origin. Paying attention to what’s going on through various media. The narrative evolves with the figures but remains fluid, subject to reinterpretation. Eventually, as he settles on a “theme”, a working title or a title that might suggest itself, offering clues for the viewer as to the paintings message. At this point David has a clearer vision in his head for the completed work.
The figures are contemplative helping to convey the reaction to an event or situation. Continuous painting and repainting of the figures and scene help hone the message.
David often describe his work as having social conscience, tackling issues such as war, guns, the environment, climate change, homelessness, identity, time, ecology, family or foe. He approaches tough subjects, through metaphor, or maybe a twist of irony or humor, allowing such themes to be visually palatable. The message may remain obscure but is usually alluded to in the title. David has pretty much have worked this way his entire career.
David relies on the viewer to develop his or her own interpretation of the image, which often provides new insight for him.