Dani Humberstone's Biography

Dani Humberstone - Abstract & Figurative Painter

DANI HUMBERSTONE

BIOGRAPHY

Please contact me if you would like any more information.

+44 1892 785942

The Studio
The Art Shop
High Street
Wadhurst
East Sussex
TN5 6AJ
UK

ARTIST'S STATEMENT

The majority of my current work is based on a personal form of abstract expressionism. A style of abstract art originally centred largely in New York in the mid 1950’s, many of the exponents being Russian or European immigrants.

Many of the artists had a general interest in myth as a way into understanding the human psyche, the forces of nature and the "human condition". Artists of the time included: Marc Rothko, Jackson Pollock, Robert Motherwell, Lee Krasner, Clyfford Still, Willem de Kooning and Barnett Newman.

I am drawn to this movement because it is how I work instinctively. I am led through the process of making a painting, balancing colour and form. I use very strong colours - juxtaposed, in harmony or as a glaze, using the relationship and tension this creates to give the painting its energy. I like to suggest a light source coming from within the work itself.

As a painter it is my aim to communicate in a direct and personal way. Colour is an immediate language that is more felt than comprehended and allows the artist to speak with subtlety and strength.

I don't usually make sketches (unless required to do so by a client) or even pre-plan paintings and work directly with paint on to the canvas.

Beauty is hugely important to me and essential in my work. Making a painting that is both beautiful and powerful is at the heart of what I do.

My current work combines realism with an element of the abstract, as a way to describe this work I call it “Synchromatic Realism”. For me the work indicates “the acceptance of difference”, with the subjects acting as a mutual reply and inspiration to each other.
The result is an almost surreal image. I have chosen to place the subjects in a 17th century inspired background. I use candlelight as the principal light source, which gives a strong warm light and throws very dark shadows. The darker background colours project the painted subjects forward.

I would like the observer to be part of the process of making art. The feelings inspired by the painting make it a personal experience whilst giving it both validity and significance.

Born in London in 1965, I was educated at Michael Hall School (Rudolph Steiner School) in East Sussex.

I Trained as a fashion designer in Brighton and developed a design business for which I won the Princes Youth Business Trust award from the Princes Trust.

I then worked in graphic design and book illustration.

Art and/or design clients include; nightclubs, a Tokyo based Japanese corporation, Authors, BT (in house magazine), restaurants, an Osteopathic clinic, Psychotherapy treatment rooms, offices & reception areas, waiting rooms and schools - including a commission from Glaxo Smith Klein.

For ten years I owned and created the artwork for a greetings card publishing company called ‘Cards That Won’t Cost The Earth’.

I have spent time as a freelance gallery manager and curator and am currently on the board of a prestigious Sussex based fine art exhibition.

I have been a professional artist for ten years and exhibit work in galleries, art fairs and group exhibitions.

I take part annually in the South East Open Studios’ an Arts Council funded initiative where artists open their studios to the public for two weeks in June.

I am currently working on a book, as part of a series in conjunction with Winsor & Newton, called ‘How to Paint: Abstract’ for Search Press Ltd, due out Autumn ‘09. There is a second book in the pipeline.

I have recently been invited to take part in the 2009 Florence Biennale, and

have had work accepted in this years Society of Women Artists annual open exhibition at the Mall Galleries, London.

I work from my art shop/studio on the High Street in Wadhurst, East Sussex