Dave Byrne BA Hons Fine Arts (First), Bangor University.

Dip.Art & Design, Newcastle upon Tyne.

The concept of collecting and retaining memories fascinates me. I work mainly from old photographs, using my own and others found at random in charity shops or on bric-a-brac stalls.  As a painter my main interest is focused upon the visual impact of memory relating to place, time and movement. The humble snapshot photograph can bring back memories of previous times and events. Other people's photographs can assist us to recall forgotten memories: in effect using someone else's image to recall memories of our own, whether real, imagined or distorted.

When painting or drawing I start by working from something within the photo that immediately captures my eye, the work then evolves from there. It is a process of discovery rather than image making. I work into and absorb the memory, sometimes deconstructing that of that original snapshot. This distancing mechanism can take away the sentimentality of the original image and transpose one universal familiar quality i.e., the photograph to another familiar medium, the painting.

The main aim of my work is to preserve and record moments in time creating imagery which will trigger memory, forgotten or remembered, mundane or treasured.

I am currently working on an interpretation of a collection of photographs taken of primary age children some of whom have become well-known nationally, internationally or who are known within their community or family. The nascent images reflect children poised on the springboard of life whose future will be determined by circumstance, life chances, opportunity and fate. It is my intention to create a wall of fame of young people who in later years grow into people who touch my life whether directly or indirectly; known to me personally, by image, or through the press. The nascent images will form a wall of children at the beginning of life ready to progress to adulthood, old age and death.

Dave Byrne 2012.

Bus, Newcastle upon Tyne, 1968. 

39.5 x 31.75" Acrylic on canvas

£300

Painting of a street corner I (series of 8)

Acrylic on canvas

£50each (£320 for all 8)

 

 Painting of a street corner II (series of 8)

 Acrylic on canvas

£50each (£320 for all 8)

SOLD

Painting of a street corner III (series of 8)

Acrylic on canvas

£50each (£320 for all 8)

Painting of a street corner IV (series of 8)

Acrylic on canvas

£50each (£320 for all 8)

Painting of a street corner V (series of 8)

Acrylic on canvas

£50each (£320 for all 8)

Painting of a street corner VI (series of 8)

Acrylic on canvas

£50each (£320 for all 8)

Painting of a street corner VII (series of 8)

Acrylic on canvas

£50each (£320 for all 8)

Painting of a street corner VIII (series of 8)

Acrylic on canvas

£50each (£320 for all 8)

Girl with bucket on head 1967

16.5 X 23" Acrylic on canvas

£250

Girl 1953 (2010)

Acrylic on canvas

£150

Sold

Hat in Wallsend Shipyard, 1969. 

32 x 40" Acrylic on canvas

£300

Late Autumn, Hexham, 1965 (2011). 

16 x 20" Acrylic on canvas

£375

Series I minuture drawings (2011)

Each drawing is A5 Various media on paper

£220

Newcastle upon Tyne, 1968 (2011)

24 x 29.5" Acrylic on Canvas

£300

Nude, Betws Garmon, 1959 (2011)

11.75 x 15.75" Acrylic on canvas

£250

Punctum/Studium Artist Book. (2011)

Closed Book size 8.25 x 5.75 - Sketchbook, pencil, random found objects, text. 

£800

Tom Jones, 1950

9 x 12" Acrylic on canvas

£150