In his latest series of paintings David explores the limits of the encaustic medium while balancing non-representational image and abstract space. His lyrical and constructivist approach contrasts delicate line-work and hard-edge geometric forms against graceful, gestural marks. David works in successive layers of applied, scraped-off and covered-over wax in a potentially endless process of revision and discovery. David’s colour palette balances hue, value and chroma to articulate a hierarchical relationship between fore and aft. Urban culture is a dominant theme defined in these narrative pieces with a hint of childish whimsy peaking through the layers.

“I am inspired by urban culture and chaos. In the city, signs, symbols, myths and traditions combine to portray varied threads of human history,” says David Brown. “I create abstract encaustic paintings that reference these voices. For me these paintings represent an important visual bridge for the emotional growth we all experience.”

What are your favourite techniques when creating new work?

I approach the act of painting like a builder; using wax, pigments, acrylics and oil paint to construct a multi-layered, multi-sensory experience. I am interested in observing, collecting and reflecting the visual cacophony of urban life. In my work, layers record time, almost archaeologically, with image fragments encapsulated and experiences accumulated in the wax.

I think of my paintings as contemporary landscapes that reflect the experience of living in an urban environment. I encourage viewers to consider traces of human activity by translating basic senses into the visual realm. I strive to represent time and space, sight and sound, in a quiet loudness.

What brought you to painting as a medium rather than another form of artistic expression? 

I studied at the Ontario College of Art. My diploma says that I am a designer. I took a very broad range of courses when I was at art school and ended up with many skills that have proven to be incredibly useful over the years. During my last year at college I started working for one of my instructors at a toy company. I was designing toys and sports equipment. It was very exciting and right out of school I was given senior designer projects. That job lead to a few others, then I ran my own product design studio. I also returned to teach Industrial Design at OCADU. After about 15 years I started to feel like I had exhausted all the possibilities of my Industrial Design career. I had always made paintings and collages as a way to fuel my creative vision. I started showing my work in group shows and other places around town. About 16 years ago, around the time our son was born my partner Margot said to me "You know, you are happiest when you paint, so why don't you just paint?" It sounds funny, but that had never crossed my mind. Once she said that it was like a switch had been turned on and within a year I was painting full-time. The fine art world is much more difficult to navigate, and it is a lot harder to make a living, but the rewards far out way the costs. Design is about solving other people’s problems, now I get to work on a few of my own. I am extremely lucky because I have always been able to support myself with my creative work, and Margot is extremely supportive of the path that I have taken.

In your opinion, what makes your work unique?

I have fostered an incredible relationship with my medium of choice. I often say “the wax and I paint together”, and I truly love this collaboration.  The bees wax is an organic material with a strong personality. It tells me where and how to proceed as I guide and tease the molten medium. There are very defined borders, but the paint's versatility is demonstrated by the range of qualities, surfaces and textures it can yield. Many painters can't stand working in encaustic because it is much harder to control.  I don't see it that way, I feel like I am learning everyday and that helps to keep the work fresh and exciting.

You can view and purchase David’s work here! You can also follow him @encausticman or check out his website for more art!