David Hartley

Having studied art, design and graphics at Suffolk College and enjoying several art commissions to pay his way, David began writing and creating award-winning ads for IT and security organisations in the early 90s.

Whilst working in advertising, he won a number of fine art freelance commissions, including several dozen from Crown Agents; designing and illustrating various sets of postage stamps and first day covers for countries like Mauritius, Ascension Island, Swaziland and British Antarctica.

David started visiting, and fell in love with, the beauty of North Cornwall; the colours of the sea, the light on the rugged coastline and restless sea. He has held several exhibitions of his work there.

David has gone on to develop two related portfolios, both of which use found and reclaimed materials. One of these is based on an enjoyment of science fiction (particularly old comic books for the 50’s and 60’s), using computer parts and other ‘junk’ to create retro models; each with a story, often with a sense of humour, sometimes interactive.

The other portfolio borrows from his earlier paintings to create semi-abstract work, again from reclaimed materials - wood, metal and a little photography - Again, very much driven by his love of the unique colours and rugged beauty of Cornwall.