We hope you’ve had a chance to check out our recently released 169 new artworks and 28 new artists. Today we would like to take a moment to highlight and introduce new LUMAS artist, David Pinegar.
David Pinegar is a proud, self-taught photographer and now, abstract artist. His diverse, multi-disciplinary portfolio is connected by an unbounded imagination and adventurous approach to material, colour and technique. His latest project, Gelism, is a distillation of Pinegar’s experimental outlook, underpinned by decades of technical photographic expertise.
Learn more reading our Q&A with David Pinegar below, and for questions about any of the new works, please call or email the gallery.
Q. We're so happy to welcome you to the LUMAS portfolio. Can you tell us a little bit about where the idea of your 'Gelism' series started from?
A. I have worked for over 30 years as a professional photographer. About ten years ago, I became restless with my lack of creative control, which led to the start of my personal and determined journey to create a new looking set of images.
This all came about with the mind-blowing volume of imagery on the internet. As a photographer you become desensitized and less interested in photographs good or bad. With that in mind I started to capture images that I had not experienced before, and that changed my whole approach to the way I worked. I began to think like an Artist, leaving all those creative restrictions behind and drawing on my childhood dream, like imagination and realization, that anything is possible.
Q. With so many intricate details and textures, we're intrigued to learn more about your creative process when creating an artwork? Could you elaborate a little on it?
A. I work with numerous every day objects, all with their own textural qualities which react very differently to the way light falls on their surfaces. For each work, I use translucent gel (men’s hair gel), large Sellotape and industrial translucent wrapping film (similar to cling film). The magic of these components act as a vortex of colour and texture. The lens just devours and deposits this on to the camera’s sensor, which in turn creates a great abstract image, each with its own overall feel, depth, movement, vibrance and texture of paint. When you see the pieces hanging, the viewer sees the piece as a painting, only when you approach the piece do you question the medium. I feel I have bridged the gap between traditional and 21st century digital mediums and created a ’New Look’.
Q. The psychedelic aesthetic of your works also plays on spacial perspectives, 3D shapes and dimension, drawing the viewer in for closer observation, almost like stepping into the artwork. Do you usually plan your composition ahead or work spontaneously?
A. My work is totally spontaneous! It’s how my whole life has been. Farming, photography, and now abstract art has chosen me. Luckily, I have been able to be successful at them all.
Q. Your artwork titles compliment an idea/thought behind your abstract works. It engages one to think more and find ways to relate the work to its meaning. Are the tittles also intentionally universal as the artworks?
A. Naming each piece is the final and very important part of my creation. My art is all about entertaining the viewer. I want to make the audience scratch their heads and ask questions. What the hell is that? What medium is it? What does the title mean? Wow, what’s it all about?
Q. What is your favourite part when working on a series?
When I have managed to create a new image look, I allow myself to be excited for a few minutes. After a little chuckle, I then start to improve on it, until I can make myself smile. But the most exciting part is coming up with a crazy title. I love word play, so if I hear a bizarre set of words, it sets the cogs whirling in my little brain, and bingo a tittle is born. The crazier the better.
Q. Where do you draw inspiration from these days?
A. The craziest part of all this creativity, I honestly do not know where it all comes from. I start to photograph an array of household items and slowly it grows into an eye pleasing image. I sometimes feel it is like one taking part in seances and raising the spirits, which in turn steers me into create a new piece. After the piece is finished, it is as though it’s always been there.
