David Wickens is an Australian artist and Art Centre co-ordinator based in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory.
Artist Statement
Originally hailing from the misty peaks known as the Blue Mountains in NSW Australia, I now reside in remote and tropical Northern Territory. After travelling through much of the north and several failed attempts to move down south, for now call the territory my home and practice amongst steamy nights swatting at various creatures, exploring the shades of saturated light falling over its prominent landscape.
Practicing as a self-trained artist for as long as I can remember, art has always been a driving force. A diary entry from and old primary school journal reads ‘Yesterday afternoon I went to mum’s work ate cheese and onion chips drank a chocolate moove and drew pictures. When I grow up I want to be an artist.’ As I came to learn what it is to be an artist so did begin my journey into travelling around a vast portion of Australia practicing in makeshift bush studios, old school buses, friends’ galleries and ultimately in more urban studios in Darwin and Sydney. All these experiences helped to cement my creative culture and reflect in the works and exhibitions I have been involved in.
My work focuses on illuminating ordinary and often overlooked subjects, political and environmental issues and exploring both physical and metaphoric topics from my surrounding environment. I enjoy collaborating with other artist’s and culture’s and aspire to continue to share my creative passions with people all over the world for the rest of my days.
Statement courtesy of the artist.