David Cass

David Cass is a local artist who lives in Lauder. Unfortunately, I missed the start of his talk when he came to visit us at college today, 07/10/15.  Doing some research online I found out he went to the Edinburgh College of Art. He graduated with a First Class Honors and received a Royal Scottish Academy scholarship to Florence. He has displayed and exhibited some of his work at the Scottish Gallery. Here are some examples of some of his work.

Tonight Rain, Tomorrows Mud -  paper based art works that use only pencil and pen and little paint. Inspired by the floods of the past and he wanted to create his new-found desire of drawing architectural features and water. Reasearch came from Tuscany, Lucca and Florence.

Espejismos (2014 - 2015) Example of water and how arid zones have suffered from drought and climate change. David spent time in the Almeria Desert viewing the landscape at a research centre. He made videos and took photographs to record his finding as well as drawing and painting.  He also used examples of the drought by incorporating mirrors into the ground to give the illusion of water, polyester, netting and gels were also used. Making a somewhat theatrical take on the project.

Postcard Project - People can requested a postcard and David will sketch/paint over a postcard of the place he is at the time. Prices are around £60 and help to fund his works.

Overall, I like how organised and well planned David seemed. The way he works I think has been learned over the years at college.  While some of his finding and works seemed eccentric.(like the bringing sea water in little bottles home from every place he has visited and using it in his paintings). I do like his project with the postcards, also the way he used the antique paper for the Florence flood project incorporating past and old together. 

I was left thinking I would never have a portfolio as good has his, from the structured beginning to what hes learnt, his travels and the confidence he displays.  HELP !!   :)  Room for improvement and learning.