David James Smith
Originally from North Yorkshire, I studied at the University of Newcastle under Kenneth Rowntree before moving to Goldsmiths' College in London for post graduate studies. In 1978 I was offered a teaching post in Cranleigh in Surrey teaching the sons of the Colchester Garrison whilst the troops were away on deployment abroad. So began a relationship with Essex and Colchester which continues to this day.
In 1987 I became Director of Art and later a Housemaster at Felsted School near Great Dunmow teaching Art History and Art to A level and on the IB programme. I retired after 42 years in Education in 2019. In 2021 I joined Cuckoo Farm Studios in Colchester and The Colchester Art Society.
Throughout my teaching career I continued to paint and exhibit. Amongst the highlights were showings at the Royal Academy and the National Portrait Gallery in London, the Fry Gallery in Saffron Walden and the Minories in Colchester. In 2022 I held a one man show at the Benham Gallery at Cuckoo Farm Studios called THE LOCKDOWN CHRONICLES which began a love affair with the Benham. Since then I have exhibited and curated with fellow artists associated with Cuckoo Farm Studios. A further solo show followed in 2025 called RIFFING AND REACTING focusing on landscape as a conduit for meaning.
Artist Statement
At the centre of my work is the core concept that a work of Art should carry meaning and express at least one significant idea. Since 2016 I have become increasingly political in outlook and often covertly allude to current and international affairs questioning humanity's moral compass. In order to do this I employ a wide range of pictorial means and genres. History, philosophy, literature and contemporary events and practices are constant sources. Dada's insistence on Contradiction as a tool linked to Zen philosophy is also a fundamental. Works are designed to be visually coherent in order to elicit an initial visceral response whilst containing clues to their possible meanings for those who enjoy a koan. As a complete contradiction and therefore Dada in conception, other paintings celebrate natural beauty as a complete relief from pessimism and loss of faith.