David Rees

Originally from the UK, but now based in Bergen, Norway, David Rees is a linocut printmaker whose work explores his background in science. Working across ecology, wildlife biology, evolutionary biology, and marine biodiversity has allowed David to experience so many amazing places from deserts, to rainforests, and the Arctic. “I’m in a constant state of wonder at pretty much everything because of this,” says the printmaker.

David tells us; “Science and art are very complementary for me and each discipline informs the other, both in terms of the way I approach problem-solving and also for general inspiration and creativity (which is more important in science than you’d think).” Thus, artistically, he takes inspiration from stories of the natural world and real-life events, which he combines with his love of illustration, graphic design, and elements of Norwegian culture.

David came to printmaking later in his career, but immediately something clicked, and it became the perfect creative medium. He states; “Linocut, especially, ticks all the right boxes; initial idea, doodle, refine, carve, ink, print. What’s not to love?” He has found multi-colour prints using multiple blocks especially satisfying; “There’s something about the approach required to figure out how to get from what’s in your head to a practical, working print is just great. I love the technical challenge of figuring out the order to carve and print various elements, and mixing inks to get just the right shade is far more fun than it should be.”

All of David’s prints are produced in limited runs, usually in editions of 20-30. He comments; “I like the focus this provides and the ability to completely finish something before moving on to the next project”. For open-ended runs he prints cards, enjoying the small scale he works within 3 or 4 blocks for most designs. “Mostly, I love creating small, portable, affordable art that hopefully encourages communication between people. People don’t do stuff like sending cards much these days but they obviously should,” says David.

David creates from his home, where he prints using either his 50x50cm book press that’s over 100 years old, or his smaller Sláma or Woodzilla press. He is looking forward to exploring other printmaking avenues, and will be venturing into silkscreen printing and gyotaku.

@david_rees_linocuts

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