BIO -
David Bez is an artist based in Manchester. A graduate of Illustration at Manchester Polytechnic (1987) who is now engaged in painting practice. Previously,Contact he has worked in diverse fields such as Web Design, Fused Glass, and Illustration.
Contact - https://www.instagram.com/davidbezartist/?next=%2F
1 - Could you explain your practice? Only you know why you do what you do.
I am an artist mainly engaged in painting. I generally paint with acrylic and oil on paper. The first stage is using acrylic in a very abstract way with broad brush strokes, which is then worked into with rollers, spatulas, and any other implement that comes to hand. It’s important to attack the tyranny of space. I then decide what to keep of the happy accidents and refine other areas. The next stage is covering the image in varnish, while still wet, I apply oil paint, this acts as a kind of semi-transparent glaze.
I have numerous styles and subject matter ranging from industrial scenes, landscapes, and more experimental work. I keep going back and forth on these themes. I find it useful as one style or approach can influence another. There was a time when I thought that I had so many disparate imagery and styles, but when I looked back, there was a kind of cohesion to them all. Perhaps not that surprising since I had created them. Hopefully, this approach keeps my work fresh, and also it stops me from becoming bored with focusing on one particular avenue.
2 - Is art relevant today?
It’s always relevant, especially to me! It’s an important communicative tool to express thoughts that may be difficult to put into words. On a broader level, it is a barometer and a mirror of the world we are living in. It can be social commentary, political critique, or simply an aesthetic notion. It has the capacity to inspire, challenge, and annoy in equal measure.
3 – We are always asked what other artists influence us, we want to know what art you don’t like and which influences you?
At the moment, AI will have a deep impact, especially in the arts. I am not necessarily against new technology, artists have employed that over many, many years, but there is already a danger that rather it being used as a tool, it becomes the end product. There is so much AI slop being produced. Its so vacuous and empty. Connected to that is my particular hatred of NFTs. I didn’t engage with any of it at the time as it seemed a massive grift, selling a link to point you to a JPEG. I still get lots of people (maybe bots) asking me to sell them as NFTs as if the scam was not over.
Another genre I have a problem with is Photo Realism. I can appreciate the time, dedication, and application of photo realist art, but it just leaves me cold. Why paint like a photograph?
In terms of influences, there are so many. From ancient cave art, medieval manuscripts, surrealism, abstraction, the list goes on. If I had to narrow it down a bit, then Max Ernst, John Piper, German Expressionism, Italian Futurism, and stained glass. I constantly look to see what contemporary artists are doing and there is truly some amazing work out there.
4- If you could go back 10-20 years, what would you tell your younger self?
“It’s going to be tough making a living from art.” Although I probably already suspected that more than 20 years ago. I had read enough bleak testimonies from artists who had struggled to engage in their practice. Over time, you develop a tough skin, a certain bloody-mindedness, and a just keep going attitude, which can be put under severe pressure on a regular basis. Having said all of that, it is still a very worthwhile endeavour. To pursue the thing that you think is meaningful. There have been many times when talking to people about their jobs, they express a positive attitude when they find out that I am an artist. They themselves may have a creative passion, but feel it is unrealistic to follow that course. There are so many hurdles, especially in the creative field, to pursue a life dedicated to art.
5 – If you could go forward 10-20 years, what do you hope to have done or not done?
In 20 years time I will be 80! If I’m still around, I would like to think people would say, “You see that gadger over there? He’s 80 and still painting!” Hopefully, I will continue to explore and experiment. One thing about not being entirely satisfied with your work is that it spurs you on to try and create a more successful piece. To fail better as Samuel Beckett said.